
i:i:- 



I'- 



HISTORY 



OF 



POCOMOKE CITY 

FORMERLY 
From its Origin to the Present Time. 

BY 

/ 
Rev. JAMES MURRAY. 




CURRY, CLAY & COMPANY,. 
1883. 



k'^- 



To all my fellow-townsmen who feel an interest 
in Pocomoke City, is this History 
respectfully dedicated by the 
Author. 



CONTENTS. 



Pagh. 

History, Preface of 7 

Author's Life, Sketch of 9 

New Town, Origin of 40 

*• " LI^[ITS OF 44 

Growth, Change OF Name, Etc 47 

Mercantile Aspect 50 

Manufacturing 86 

Trades.. 91 

Shippin g Interests 106 

Eastern Shore Steamboat Co loS 

Ship-Building , in 

Hotels, Livery Stables, Etc 121 

Physicians 123 

Lawyers 138 

Post Office 144 

Printing Offices 149 

Social Aspect 151 

Moral Aspect 161 

Temperance 163 

Schools 168 

Churches 196 

Secret Societies 233 

5 



PREFACE. 

In writing a history of Pocomoke City, formely New Town, I will 
say, the subject never presented itself to my mind until recently, 
and then I only contemplated a brief sketch of some of the early 
inhabitants together with their business life, the habits, customs 
and social bearing of society in ''ye olcUn times'' But as the 
subject loomed up before me into greater proportions, and as there 
never had been written a history of the place, only in scraps for 
newspaper publication, and as I have been repeatedly solicited to 
write such a history, I have submitted to undertake the arduous 
task. 

The subjects comprised in this history will, therefore, be the 
geographical position or town limits of the place together with a 
description of its Houses, Streets, County Wharf and Pubhc 
Square. The Mercantile, Shipping, Manufacturing, Steam 
Milling, Hotel and Livery Stable Business. The Practice of 
Medicine and Law. The Post-Office, Press, Social Life, Moral 
Outlook, Temperance, Schools, Churches and a brief sketch of the 
lives of its leading business and professional men. 

In writing this history I have not aimed at literary display, if I 
had, the book itself would expose my weakness. But I have 
simply aimed at giving a statement of facts, and chief among my 
aspirations has been the rescuing from oblivion, the names and 
history of persons living in New Town in the days of yore, names 
precious and dear to many who are still living in Pocomoke City, 
together with Incidents of Social Life that will be of interest to 
read. The whole history covering a period of over two hundred 
y^trs. 

7 



8 PREFACE. 

In. giving a sketch of my own life, separately, I must say, in 
jnstice to myself, that the sab j cot never once entered my mind 
until I had been repeatedly requested to do so, finally I yielded, 
hoping that my eventful life would be both a warning to the 3'oung 
not to pursue those paths of vice into which I had fallen, and an 
encouragement to all, that it is never too lale to turn over a new 
leaf, never too late to do good. The fact of my joining the 
Virginia Conference, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, when I 
was in the fifty-sixth year of my age, undertaking a four years 
course of Conference studies, leaving a loving liome and going 
among strangers for three successive years, in the valley of 
Virginia, and on the Mountains of West Virginia, and traveling 
in that Conference for six years, averaging the first three years, 
probably, fifteen hundred miles a year on horse-back, is an 
adventure of my life, at which I am truly amazed. Although I 
was in Orders when I entered the Conference, I was required to 
go through the usual course of studies, and I mention, in detail, 
the subjects upon which I was examined and the books to be 
read, simply to show the amount of labor I had to perform at my 
advanced age, and yet by application I succeeded. 

J. M. 



A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 

AUTHOR'S LIFE 



I was born in New Town, Worcester County, Maryland, on the 
11th day of August, 1814. My father's name was Michael Murray. 
He was born in the town of Armagh, in Armagh County, in the 
North of Ireland. He received quite a liberal education in his 
native country, and was reared, by his parents in the Roman 
Catholic taith. My mother's name before she married my father, 
was Nancy Maddux. She was born and raised in Potatoe Neck, 
now Fair Mount, Somerset County, Maryland. She received such 
an education as the schools of her day were prepared to 
impart, and in her religious faith she was brought up a Methodist. 
My father came to America soon after the revolutionary war 
ended and engaged in merchandising, at Maddux's Island, 
Somerset County, Maryland. How long he continued there I 
cannot say, it was there, however, that he married my mother. In 
the course of time he moved to Rehoboth and continued mer- 
chandising some years, when, in 1803, he moved to New Town 
and continued in the mercantile and shipping trade in New Town 
for fifteen years. Of my mother were born seven sons and one 
daughter, all of whom lived to be grown. All of the boys learned 
trades except the youngest, and after their majority they all 
pursued other avocations, more or less. Of my six brothers and 
sister, I am happy to say, they all had good minds, and some of 
them shown with lustre, and of my sister, especially. I would say 
if the fair sex would not look at it with an eye of egotism, that 
she had an intellect above the ordinary class of her sex* They 
have all passed away except my youngest brother William who 
lives in Sumner County, Tennessee. I have said my father was a 



10 A Brief History of the Author^s Life. 

Konian Catholic. He would liokl family prayer on Sabbath 
morning, and would teach the children the prayers of that Church, 
such as the Lord's prayer, the Salutation and Invocation to the 
Holy ViriL-in Mary, the Apostles Creed, etc. But with these facts 
before me I must conclude that he was a broad minded, liberal 
man, for he contributed to the building of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in New Town, and had all his children baptized by 
Protestant Ministers. I have been at a loss to account for my 
early religious impressions, in view of the fact that my father was 
but a nominal christian, while my mother, during the lifetime of 
my father, did not belong to church. I can recollect distinctly, 
when but a child, that I was not afraid to die, and when the good 
spirit of the Lord so moved upon my little heart, as to soften it 
into tenderness and love. 

I can also recollect, when in my early youth, that I was afraid 
to die, that I had a consciousness of sin and was afraid of God, 
and in view of such convictions, when I would retire to my bed at 
night, I have engaged in prayer, repeating the Lord's prayer and 
those my father taught me and concluding with : Now I lay me 
down to sleep, etc., until my little eyes would close in balmy sleep 
"nature's sweet restorer." I pursued this course under the impres, 
sion that Satan would not come after a person while they were 
praying, for I was fre(iuently afraid the Devil would get me 
before morning. The reader will recollect the Cat Story in 
relation to myself, which is told under the head of Social Life in 
New Town. 

I have, if possible, a thousand times reviewed my fother's course 
in raising his children. While in some instances he was very 
strict, yet in otliers he was remiss in his oversight of them. I 
suppose there have been but few ftmiilies, especially in the days of 
my boyhood, ])ut what there would be more or less lighting by the 
boys. Sometimes when my brothers and myself would be at work, 
we would get into a fight, and as I was the youngest, I would 



A Brief Hlstnry of the Avthor^s Life. 11 

generally get whipped. I recollect instances when I was not in 
fault, I would go to my father and tell him of it, instead of 
inquiring into the matter, he would give me another whipping and 
send me off to work again. I then had no appeal, and many a hard 
fight I have had with my dear brothers. I have said my father 
was very strict. If he promised me a whipping I was sure to get 
it. I recollect times when I would run from him to avoid punish- 
ment and he would say, in his broad Irish accent, "niver mind boy 
I will pay you." I felt that moment that my doom was sealed, 
and my feathers fell. 

My father whipped his boys with the cowhide. It has been said 
of the Irish that they were the greatest people in the world for 
whipping the Devil out of their children. But it is a problem for 
solution, whether such whipping whips the Devil out of, or whips 
the Devil into, the children. I recollect very well my brothers and 
myself would get hold of the old cowhide, that had punished us so 
severely, and we would take it to the wood-pile and chop it into 
mince meat with the axe. 

There was no Sabbath School, in New Town, in my little boy- 
hood days, and the boys to a great extent, were suffered to roam 
about on the Sabbatb day. On such occasions I would learn a 
great deal of wickedness. I learned to swear profusely, to play 
cards, and as early as eight years of age I learned to chew tobacco. 
I was the first one in my father's family to use tobacco, my father 
and mother never using it. Many a night, after I would go to 
sleep, my father would search my pockets for my tobacco and burn 
it ; but it was all to no use, I conquered my father in my wicked 
course, and when I grew larger I chewed, with impunity, in his 
presence. This one instance of my boyhood life has caused me 
many a heartache since, and often times in contemplating the sub- 
ject, I have been so mortified and humbled that the tears unbidden 
would steal from my eyes. At a very early age I learned to swim 
and finally I became quite an expert at it. I was like a duck in 



12 A Brief llistunj of the Author^s Life. 

the water for diving, and several times I have been nearly dnjwned 
by trying how far I could swim at the botUjm of the river before I 
would come to the surface again. At other tirr^es I have been 
nearly drowned in playing with larger boys who would hold me 
under the water too Vmg. It used to be quite common for the 
town boys to take their canoes, and go to the river swamps for 
shingle billets and l)ring them home to burn. Frequently, after 
loading my canoe with billets, I have taken the tow line in my 
mouth aud swam along with the canoe as it would drift with the 
tide. 

In eighteen hundred and twenty-seven, my father moved with 
his family to Baltimore. I was then thirteen years old. Another 
event occurred in my early history of which I have, ever since 
felt deeply ashamed, and humbled. After my father moved to 
Baltimore, for sometime, I had nothing to do, aud consequently I 
would be down at the wharves and on board the Eastern Shore 
vessels to see those I was acquainted with, and would engage 
in boyisli sports, such as standing on the waist or spars of the 
vessel and jumping to a rope and catching hold of it with one 
hand, and exhibiting my activity; during these visits I became 
acquainted with a man who had gone from this place. He 
followed the sea. lie took a great liking to me for my activity 
and venturesome spirit, and persuaded me to go to sea. The 
pleasures of a seafaring life that loomed up before me, together 
with the idea of visiting foreign countries, were truly captivating. 
I det(;rmined on such a course at all hazards. I had not consulted 
my father or mother. I knew it would be of no use, that they 
would not give their consent and so I determined to act for myself. 
I bad made seme little engagements with a captain of a Dutch 
Ship bound to Bremen. I was but a boy and had no where to 
stay of niglits and consequently would sneak home at night and 
run off in the morning. Tliis state of things lasted several days. 
I have since heard my mother say that my father bas walked the 



A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 13 

floor wringing his hands and saying, in deep agony : "What shall 
I do with my boy James." Finally, he overtook me on Fell's 
Point, I was about to run from him, wlien he told me he wanted 
to talk with me, that he wanted to know where I was going, 
what ship I was going in, and how long I would begone, and the 
wages I would get, ifcc. I had had premonitions that I was 
acting wickedly, but on this occasion I realized the heinousness of 
my crime. I felt as though the ground ought to open and swallow 
me up. I think the good Spirit of the Lord was showing me how 
wicked I was. I shall never be able fully to explain my feelings 
on that occasion. I was completely conquered. I went home and 
purposed to be a better boy. 

There was another event, during my first years residence in the 
City of Baltimore, which has been, ever since, a pleasurable 
thought to me. I attended the first Sal)bath School that I was 
ever in, that year. It was at a little frame church called Frog- 
Eye, in South Baltimore. The Superintendent talked so sweetly 
about Jesus that my little boyish heart was completely captivated. 
I was all humility. I went home. It was on Sabbath afternoon, 
and at the supper table. I could not help weeping. I have often 
thought since, tliat if I had had any one to explain to me the 
nature of Christianity, its blessedness and experience, that then 
I would have become a Christian. In my fourteenth year, I was 
thouglit to be rather young to go to a trade, consequently I 
obtained work in a brick yard, with a man by the name of George 
Cline. This man was so illnaturcd, crabbed and peevish that I 
hated him. I recollect one day I was on the kiln tossing bricks to 
him, on the ground, and as he was not looking the bricks struck 
him on the foot. It was a terrible blow, he took up a half brick 
and said : "I have a great mind to knock you ofl" that kiln." I 
had no faith in him, and was ready, if he raised his hand to throw, 
to jump off' the kiln on the other side. I disliked this man so 
mnch, on account of his disposition and the small pay I received, 



14 A Brief History of the Autho7-^^ Life, 

which was one dollar a week and I board myself, that I framed a 
lie, and told my father, that he did not want me any longer. I 
then went to work with another man, in an adjoining yard, by 
the name of John Reese. This man gave me kind words, treated 
me like a father, and gave me a dollar and a half a week. The one 
I love to think of, the other I have long since forgiven. 

In eighteen hundred and twenty-nine, I commenced learning the 
shoe making trade with my brother. I was then in my fifteenth 
year. I was very apt, and soon learned to make a boot. During 
the next year, however, he concluded to leave the City, and he 
made an engagement with Captain John T. Taylor^ of Snow Hill, 
"Worcester County, Maryland, to act as foreman in his shoe and 
boot factory, in that place. This event took place in eighteen 
hundred and thirty, and to me it was an epoch in my history that 
I shall never forget. I was then turned out on the world to shift 
for myself, at the age of sixteen, without counsellor or friend to 
take me by the hand and direct me in the way I should go. It is 
true my father and mother were then living, but they were living 
in New Town and I was in the City of Baltimore. I have often 
thought upon this part of my early history as being marked by the 
special providence of my great Heavenly Father who watches over 
the present and future doings of those that are left destitute. I 
procured board at the house of a kind humane man, for one dollar 
and twentj'-five cents a week. I could make two dollars and fifty 
cents a week at my trade, cooseciuently I could have, after paying 
my board, one dollar and twenty-five cents to buy my clothes, shoe 
findings, and to pay the laundress, and the balance I could have for 
spending money. This state of things continued until the latter 
part of the year when my father moved back to the City, and I 
was again with the family. In the latter part of eighteen hundred 
and thirty-one, my father died and was buried in a K( »mau Catholic 
Cemetery, in the western part of the city of Baltimore. Early in 
eighteen hundred and thirty-two, my mother, with her three 



A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 15 

youngest children moved back again to New Town , and I was 
left in the city. I was then in the eighteenth year of my age. I 
was ambitious to excel at my trade, and in order to be a proficient, 
I went under instructions with one of the best worknaen in the 
city, and boarded with him. I soon became master of my own 
trade and could hold a seat of stitched boots in any of the best 
shops in the City. But this prosperity at my trade, was attended 
with a series of wickedness that ought to be truly alarming. My 
association was entirely of a vicious character. In those large shoe- 
maker boarding houses there would be sometimes as Li'i as fifteen 
or twenty men upon their benches, strewed around tlieroom. In 
such a company there must be entertainment, and scarcely, without 
an exception it would be of a vicious character. The bottle of 
liquor would be in the middle of the floor; the singing those 
songs and telling yarns which had an immoral tendency. Then 
theatre going, ten-pin alleys visited, gambling saloons tarried at» 
frequently, till after midnight. I have, since, often wondered at 
the alarming progress I was making, in fixing my habits that, 
without some interposition, would end in my utter ruin. In 
eighteen hundred and thirty-three, my brother, who had established 
himself in Inisiness in Snow Hill, wrote to me to come and work 
for him. This was a ]u-ovidcntial door opened to me, for which I 
have, ever since, had great cause to be thankful. I was, by 
accepting this invitation, lifted out of my old associations, and 
placed in an entirely new element of society. I held on, however, 
to my old habits of swearing, gambling and tobacco chewing. In 
the winter of 1843 and 1844, there was a great revival of religion, 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Snow Hill. I was provi- 
dentially brought under its gracious influence. Before this, how- 
ever, I would argue Roman Catholicism with the Methodists, yet 
I believed they were under some blessed influence to which I was 
a stranger. This conviction was the result of my observation of 
their godly walk, their chaste conversation, and their acclamations 



16 A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 

of joy in their religious meetings. The leading men engaged in 
conducting that revival were Mathew Sorin and Shepherd 
Draine. These were the ministers on the circuit. Stephen Town- 
send, afterwards Doctor Townsend, of the Philadelphia Conference ; 
Epliraim Mathews, father of I. T. Matthews, Esq., who is the 
present clerk of the count)- ; George Hudson, who was for many 
years clerk in the office of the Register of AVills for Worcester 
County ; and Levi Nelson, a boot and shoe maker. These men 
commanded my highest respect. I could not gainsaj' their Chris- 
tianity in^ny particular. I often wondered at their kind and 
gentle bearing towards me. Notwithstanding, I attended their 
meetings regularly, yet I would avoid those men by taking a seat 
in the rear of the congregation. They would, however, tind me 
out, and by their kindly, gentle course would persuade me to go 
up and mingle in the congregation. With unabated love I have 
often thought of those men, when they would come to me some- 
times, lay their hands upon my head, though not a word would be 
spoken, and weep over me. This was more than I could bear. I 
thought if I did not j-ield to such loving entreaties as this, I ought 
lo go to Hell. I determined to make an unconditional surrender of 
myself to God. I was ignorant of the ways of God and the Gospel 
plan of Salvation. I submitted to be taught like a child. I bowed 
at the altar. I deplored and confessed my sins, the more I prayed, 
and contemplated my condition, the more I saw myself a lost 
sinner, my feelings became intolerable. I sought the Lord day and 
night without intermission except when I was asleep. This was 
a long, dark, dark night of experience to me, but finally in fixing 
my eyes upon the day star from on high' the day-light of i)ardou, 
peace and joy broke into my soul. Before this I was decidedly 
opposed to making any ado about religion. I said if I embraced 
it I would let the people see how decently and in order I could get 
it. But oh ! how foolish I was. I was as ignorant as a beast 
before the Lord. Wlieii I nceivcd tlie uitness (jf pardon and my 



A Brief History of the Authored Life. 17 

acceptance with the Lord, I was lost in praise, and thought of 
nothing but Jesus and his love to me, and shouted aloud before a 
large congregation the veritable experience of salvation by faith in 
Jesus Christ. Though this experience was realized nearly fifty 
years ago, yet to this day it is unspeakable, it was Christ in me the 
hope of glory. I was truly convinced that I was as thoroughly 
changed in my spiritual nature as that I had a being, and the savor 
of the good, I then received, I have to this day. A ^lew life then 
opened up to me. I broke off my old habits at a stroke, excepting 
tobacco chewing, which I did not then realize to be inconsistant 
with a profession of Christianity. I can say, since that day I have 
studiously avoided all those places in which I previously took 
delight, places where God was not honored. 

During eighteen hundred and thirty-four I returned to Baltimore 
and worked at my trade. An event occurred that year which 
liked to have cost me my life. There was a mob raised upon the 
breaking of the old Maryland Bank. The spite of the mob was 
directed to the oflBcers of the Bank, such as Reverdy Johnson, 
John Glenn and others. It commenced operations on Saturday 
night. I had finished my day's work and had eaten my sapper and 
walked down town. I discovered their aim ^^•as at Reverdy 
Johnson's house, on Monument Square. A guard was already 
posted across Calvert street, on the North side of Baltimore street. 
As I came along I was requested to volunteer. I did so, and about 
twelve o'clock, while fighting the mob, I was struck in the fore- 
head with a stone which cut through my hat and cut my head 
about an inch long. I was knocked down as quick as if I had 
been shot. My wound was examined and pronounced not dan- 
gerous, and I was placed on the retired list. No changes occurred 
in my life, but such as are of common occurrence until eighteen 
hundred and thirty-six. In the first of January of that year, I 
established myself in the boot and shoe business, in New Town. 
I was in the twenty-second year of my age. Up to this date my 



18 A Brief History of the A^dhor^s Life. 

education was of the most superficial character. With the excep- 
tion of a few weeks, I had not gone to school since I was thirteen 
years old. I could, however, at that date read, write and cipher 
Bome. I understood the multiplication table up to the twelfth 
line, the four fundamental rules in arithmetic, was somewhat 
aquainted with the single and double rule of Three, and Practice, 
and was a tolcrablj^ good speller. This was the ultimatum of my 
schooling until I was twenty-two years of age. During that year, 
by some casuality, Kirkham's grammar fell into my hands. It was a 
dead science to me. I took the book, however, to a friend and 
desired him to give me some insight of it, he did so, and I began to 
understand it, and I was so ambitious to improve my education 
that I went to school two months, to a good scholar. I confined 
my studies chiefly to English grammar and geography, and with- 
out any praise to myself, I soon stood at the head of the grammar 
class. This was the result of two considerations : first, I had a 
longing desire for knowledge, and secondly I was at a more 
mature age to receive instructions than the younger scholars. 
After this I would carry my book in my pocket as I would walk 
the street, or have it on the bench while I would be at work, and 
would parse everything that came under my observation. 

On the 11th day of January, 1838, 1 was married to Mrs. Mary 
Atkinson, widow of Thomas D. Atkinson, deceased. Her maiden 
name was Long, she was the daughter of Josiah and Sally Long. 
In this instance I assumed a responsibility for which I was scarcely 
adequate. I was poor, and to support a large family from the 
beginning with no other means but my trade was no small under- 
taking. Yet I succeeded, by good manngcnunt lo provide, in some 
little degree, tilings convenient. In the course of a few years my 
health l)ecaiiie so impaired by sedentary life, that I was induced to 
iii.-ikc :i cli.'inua-. I commenced farming in a sm;ill w:iy uiilil 1849 
Prior to the above date I had served two terms as justice of the 
peace, and when the Magistrates Court was established 1 was 



A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 1^ 

appointed chief judge of this district, but refused to accept the 
appointment. During the time of which I am writing I was 
serving the Church as class leader, recording steward and local 
preacher. Up to 1849 all my children were born, and my second 
son James Henry was dead. At the above date I leased a farm, 
four and a half miles in the country ; the farm was poor and I was 
told that I would starve on it, but by careful management, after 
living on it four years, and living well too, I had gained four 
hundred dollars. While on the farm I would ride to town of a 
night, after the day's work would be over, lead class and return 
home. During my sojourn on the ftirm, an event occurred, which 
has ever since been a source of congratulation. It was my aban- 
donment of the use of tobacco. This may seem to some persons 
a very small matter, but to me it was of vast moment. I had had, 
for many years, misgivings with regard to the propriety of its use. 
I had sought to justify myself by all possible considerations, chief 
among them was the example of christian men and christian min- 
isters, some of the highest dignitaries of the Church in the 
habitual use of tobacco. I dared not unchristian ize them, some of 
them were, in other respects way marks to the better land, and if 
they can use it why not I? This vas a powerful argument for me 
to continue its use. Another consideration in favor of its contin- 
uance, was the fact that I commenced at such an early day, when 
I embraced Christianity and knew I was accepted of my gracious 
Heavenly Father. I was still using it. But r.otwithstanding all 
these considerations, I still had my misgivings when I read the 
precious word of truth and considered that cleanliness was an 
attribute of godliness. I reasoned, also, that in many instances, if 
not all, tobacco was unhealthy in its use, and that our money was 
a precious talent to be used in a proper way, and not to be used 
in feeding a debased and an unnatural appetite. I had made, 
probably, a hundred attempts to quit its use, aad as many times 
failed. But in this last effort I succeeded, and one great induce- 



20 A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 

ment urging me on was the bad example I was setting my 
children, for how could I tell them not to use it when I was using 
it myself? Another event took place while I was on the farm, 
which has been the greatest pleasure to me. It was a revival of 
religion, at Swansgut Methodist Episcopal Church, in which about 
fifty persons professed religion, and there was no other instru- 
mentality employed in it but the Rev. John Hersey, of precious 
memory, and the writer. In 1852, 1 served as one of the assessors 
of "Worcester County. At the close of 1853, 1 moved back to New 
Town, and in 1854, 1 embarked in the steam saw mill business, but 
had not more than g(jt the mill in running order before I discovered 
that I had made a mistake, and I determined to sell out as soon as 
an opportunity presented itself It was not long before I had an 
offer for my interest in the mill, and I sold out witli a loss of about 
three hundred dollars. Some thought I was fickle in this instance, 
but I had made up my mind to get out of the mill, and the sequel 
showed the wisdom of the act. I had invested but a few hundred 
dollais which I had been gathering together for between fifteen 
and twenty years by hard work, and had I continued in the mill I 
sl^ould have lost all. In reviewing the history of this incident, 
there is cau>e f ^r praise to my Heavenly Father, and admiration of 
this special providence over me. At the close of 1850, 1 removed 
to Somerset County, on a farm M'hich I had purchased of Hon. 
Isaac D. Jones. I now began to think that I should be settled in 
life. I had moved about so nuicli that I desired that this should be 
the last time until I would go to my long home. But I had not 
been on the farm two years before circumstances were brought to 
bear upon me, which caused a change. I owed one-third of the 
purchase money on the ft\rm, but I had that all secured, and could 
have had such time as would be convenient for me to pay it in. 
But I was in debt to the merchant, mechanic, school teacher, 
<fcc. I had made a good crop of corn and oats, and would bo 
amply able to pay all such bills if I could hold on to my produce 



A Brief History of the Author^s Life. 21 

until such seasons of the year in which it would bring the best 
price. As soon as my crops were made, the payment of those bills 
was called for, and, generally speaking at that season, the price of 
grain is the lowest. It was in vain to expostulate, and the officer 
was paying me visits. I began to see more clearly than ever before, 
that what I had was not mine while I was in debt, but that I was 
simply an agent in the hands of my creditors, to obey their wishes 
at what time and whenever they said pay. I had always been in 
debt, from the date of my marriage up to the time of which I am 
writing, and I thought I could see clearly, if possible, a thousand 
ways in which I had suffered by the credit system. I thought it 
was my only hope of success to abandon the credit system, to get 
out of this dirty pool. I was resolved upon it if it broke me. I 
had an offer for my farm at an advanced price and I sold it, sold 
out my stock and grain, paid all I owed, turned over a new leaf 
and seemingly commenced life square for the first time. After 
this I moved back to New Town, and I soon discovered the benefit 
of such a change. When I would go into a store to buy anything, 
the merchant knew that he was going to get the money, and with- 
out any word from me the price of the article would be put down 
at the lowest figures. I now began to get along better than ever 
before. I need buy, now, only such things as I needed and if I 
could not get them at one place, I could go to another. Whereas 
under the credit system, I would be compelled to deal at certain 
places, and pay whatever prices they charged, and if that store at 
which I was dealing did not have the article I wanted, it was 
frequently the case that something else would, though not 
answering so well, have to be taken in lieu and probably at a 
greater price. In 1861, 1 was appointed post-master, under the 
administration of Abraham Lincoln, and served in that capacity 
until 1866 when I was removed under the administration of 
Andrew Johnson. In 1867, 1 was ordained a Deacon by the impo- 
sition of the hands of Bishop Simpson, at the Philadelphia Con- 



22 A Brief History «/ tke Author^ s Life. 

fercnce, held in West Chester, Pennsylvania, after passing an 
examination before a committee appointed by the Conference for 
that purpose. In this same year I commenced merchandising in 
New Town, in consequence of the failure of my health, caused by 
sedentary life. This business was a necessity to me, I knew not 
what else to fall upon to support my family, and I entered into it 
with caution and trepidation. For I had often heard the remark 
that they that own a fann and sell it to goto merchandising would 
never own another. I bought my goods for cash and was prepared 
to sell as low as the lowest. 1 would not go into any ring or form 
any combination, but sold goods on my own convictions, and as a 
general thing sold for cash and would not let a customer go out of 
the store with his mone y if it was possible to reach him in the price 
of the article and I generally got his money and he got the goods. 
During the first two years, the price of goods was steadily on the 
rise, and dry goods went up one hundred per cent, in six months 
after I made my first purchase, so that I could wholesale to some 
of the merchants at a lower price than they could buy for in the 
city, and still make a heavy profit. During this period 
I was so fearful that I would become a bankrupt that I would 
invoice every few months, and the result would show that I was 
whole footed, and so I became more careless. At the end of two 
years goods had reached their highest point in price, and the crisis 
came, and the after part of my mercantile life was like Pharaoh's 
dream, it ate up pretty much all that I had made in the years 
preceding, but after all, when I sold out, I came out as good as 
when I went into the business. In 18G5, 1 was employed by the 
Rev. Solomon Cooper, Presiding Elder of the District, to serve as 
Junior Preacher, on Church Creek Circuit, in Dorchester County. 
This may be considered the beginning of my life as a traveling 
Preacher, although I had preached at different places before and, 
many times at all the appointments on the circuit where I live, 
and had served the Church in every capacity, as Class-Leader, 
Exhorter, Trustee, Recording Steward and Local Preacher. 



A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 23 

From the time of my marriage I have always kept an open house 
for the Ministers of the Gospel, and there was nothing too good to 
provide, nor any labor too great to perform to make those happy 
who rested under my roof. When I went on Church Creek Cir- 
cuit, there was a camp-meeting going on at Old Ebenezer. I 
arrived on the ground on Sabbath morning. It was soon known 
that the young preacher had come to the Circuit. There was a vast 
congregation on the ground and all eyes were on me. In the 
afternoon I was put up to preach. This was a great trial to me, for 
I knew that all that I would say would be criticised. However I 
did the best I could and after that the time went on pleasantly. 
In August, I went into protracted meetings and never came out of 
them till the close of conference year, which was the next March. 
I formed many very pleasant associations while on the Circuit, 
and was treated with high respect. This did not puff me up with 
pride, for I knew for whose sake this respect was given, but it 
made me feel the greater responsibility resting upon me to conduct 
myself as one that needeth not to be ashamed, "rightly dividing the 
Word ot Truth." While on this Circuit I had no home of my 
own, my family still living in New Town, and, as a necessity, I 
was thrown upon the hospitality of the families on the Circuit. 
While visiting around I had ample opportunity of discovering the 
habits of the people, and to my regret I found one habit into 
which nearly all the people had fallen, ii was the use of tobacco. 
In some families all the children as well as the parents used it 
excessively. I used what influence I could to dissuade them from 
it, but it was hard work stemming the tide. On one occasion, while 
in company with the Preacher in Charge, and also a Local Preacher, 
who both used the weed, I got into an argument with them 
upon the use of tobacco, and was progressing in it very well, and 
as I thought to a successful issue, when they asked me if I did not 
sell it. I told them yes. They burst out into a great laugh. That 
ended the argument, but in my complete discomfiture, I saw, as I 



24 A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 

never saw before, the futility of my arguments while I sold 
tobacco. I told them that if my selling it closed my mouth upon 
the subject, 1 would sell it no more. When I came home to visit 
my family, I told my son, who was attending to the store, that we 
would clear it of tobacco. We did so, and never sold it any more. 
In 1867, I was again employed, this time, by the Rev. Vaughn 
Smith, who was Presiding Elder, to serve as Assistant Preacher on 
Princess Ann Circuit. The Rev. John M. Purner was Preacher 
in Charge. During the year, by incessant labor, which brought 
on protracted illness, Mr. Purner succombed to the inevitable, and 
passed away in holy triumph. Rev. J. T. Vanburkalow succeeded 
him for the remainder of the year, with whom I labored in 
harmony until Conference. In reviewing my work on this Circuit, 
during the year, I will say, although the times were perilous, yet I 
made many friends, both in and out of church, and I trust I did 
some good. At the last Quarterly Conference for the year, I was 
recommended to the Phil adelphia Annual Conference for Elders 
Orders, and after passing an examination before a committee who 
reported favorable in my case, together with the report of the 
Presiding Elder upon my character and usefulness, I was unani- 
mously elected to the office, and was ordained by Bishop Janes, 
assisted by the Elders present, on the 15th day of March, in the 
year of Our Lf )rd, one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight, in 
the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During the preceding 
year I sold out my store house and stock of goods, and I was now 
desirous to devote my life, exclusively, to the office, and work of 
the Ministry. In my earlier life I had considered the support of 
my family and education of my children to be a great achieve- 
ment. This I had done without any help save my own native will 
and energy, and now after accomplishing this most responsible 
duty, I had enough left to take care of my wife in a small way, and 
was ready to enter any open door of usefulness in the cause 
of the Redeemer. In reading the Minutes of the Virginia Annual 



A Brief History of the Author'^ s Life. 25 

Conference, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, I discovered that 
there was a great want of Ministerial help. I corresponded with 
the Rev. Elisha P. Phelps, who was the leading spirit in the Con- 
ference and a Presiding Elder, at that time, of Rockingham 
District, in regard to joining the Conference. I stated my age, 
that I was in Orders, and that I could do Circuit Work. He 
encouraged me to make application. The Conference met the 
following year, 1870, March the 1st, in the City of Richmond. I 
went to that Conference, and did not know a living man in it, but 
Bishop Janes, who was presiding. After my name was handed in, 
I was put under examination, by a committee, upon the following 
course of study, which is laid down in the discipline of the 
Church, for those who are to be admitted on trial, namely : Common 
English, Ancient History, Scripture History, History of the 
United States, History of Methodism, Rhetoric, Logic, and Disci- 
pline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The books to be read, 
prepar itory to, and in connection wifh this examination, were : 
"Wakefibld's Theology, Watson's Life ef Wesley, Whitney's Hand 
Book of Bible Geography, Foster's Christian Purity, and Student's 
Gibbon. I had, however, received from the Quarterly Conference, 
of New Town Circuit, preparatory to going to the Virginia Con- 
ference, a recommendation to that Conference as a suitable person 
to enter the Traveling Connection, and also an individual letter 
from the Presiding Elder, the Rev. Vaughn Smith, which was of 
great benefit to me as a stranger. After the committee reported 
upon my examination, I was received on trial and my name put 
in the basket for an appointment, and when the appointments were 
read out my name was put down for Middle Brook Circuit. After, 
this the Presiding Elder came to me and said he had done the best 
lie could for me, and he did not know how much they would give 
me, probably not much, but if I pleased them the Lord knew how 
much they would give for my support. Middle Brook is a small 
village, ten miles above Staunton, in the great valley of Virginia,. 



26 A Brief History of the Author^s Life. 

between the North and South Mountains. The valley at this place 
is about twenty miles wide. I had eight appointments. The 
extremes were from the North Mountain to the top of the South 
Mountain, and in climbing the South ^Mountain, the distance from 
base to summit is six miles. After receiving my appointment from 
the Conference I took the cars for Staunton, and thence, by stage, 
to Middle Brook. The Circuit was out to the commons. There 
had been no regular Preacher sent to that Circuit, by the Con- 
ference, for a year. I was perplexed at this state of things, 
however, after consultation with my friends, my plans were formed 
as above stated. After preaching at Middle Brook, I started for 
Sherando,a small village at the foot of South Mountain, a distance 
of twenty miles. It was in March, and there was snow on the 
ground, in a thawing condition, and this, together with the sticky, 
red clay, made it very bad traveling on foot, and the roads in some 
places, for some distance, would be covered with water, so that I 
would have to go off the i»ad in the fields to find better walking. 
Two incidents on this, my first round, I will here record : The 
first, wag one which I often call up in memory with the greatest 
pleasure. It was on this wise : After traveling the road for about 
six miles, the noon of day came on. I knew no one on the road 
nor where to stop to get anything to eat. I knew that I must eat 
something to enable me to perform my journey. It did not, 
however, take me long to demonstrate the old adage, "wherever 
thc^re is a will there is a way." I called up to a well-to-do farmer's 
house, which stood close on the road. I asked them if they could 
accommodate a stranger with dinner. They eyed me, and theja 
said yos, invited me in, and after taking off my overcoat and 
overshoes, I sat down in conversation with the lady of the house, 
who was, as is often the case, the chief speaker. I soon discovered 
that she was a christian and feared God. The conversation took a 
religious turn and soon the silent tear was seen standing in the eye 
as we conversed on the deep things of God. During my call it 



A Brief History of the Author'^ s Life. 27 

was found out what my mission was and tliey treated me with the 
same spirit of courtesy that the Angels received from Abraham. 
After dinner, which was of the first-class, for they were indepen- 
dent, I got ready to start, and called for my bill, they informed 
me there was no charge, save that I call and see them again. I 
informed them upon those terms I would do so. They filled my 
pockets with apples, and ordered two horses to be saddled and 
bridled, and requested their oldest son, at home, who was a young 
man grown, to take me on my way some distance ; this he did for 
about six miles. This call was my introduction to one of the 
sweetest homes that I had on that Circuit. I was always welcome, 
and they were able to take care of me and my horse without any 
inconvenience, and my gratitude was enhanced from the consider- 
ation that they were not Methodists, but Lutherans. Their names 
were Baker. I have lost their first name. They lived near 
<3^^eenville, on the road from Middle Brook to Sherando. The 
name Baker, to me yet, has a pleasant sound in view of those 
associations. As I think of them, I think of the memorable words 
of the Saviour. "I was an hungered and ye gave me meat. I was 
a stranger and ye took me in." ''Inasmuch as ye have done it 
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto 
me." If this little book should ever fall into the hands of that 
dear family, they will see, by this narrative, that the kindness they 
bestowed upon me, for the want of greatful remembrance, has not 
been lost. 

The second incident, which I proposed to mention, took place 
about six o'clock that same evening. During the day I had 
traveled sixteen miles, I was, at that late hour, four miles from 
Sherando, darkness was gathering around me, I had blistered my 
feet walking, worn and weary I called up to a house on the road, 
for I knew not where to go. As to pursuing my journey to 
Sherando that was perilous, as I did not know the way only by 
inquiry, and if I could have gotten there before bedtime, I knew 



28 A Brief History of the Author's Life, 

not wliere to call. The man upon whom I called had a terrible 
dog, though I did not know it. When I opened the gate he came 
bolting at me, so I let on to him that I did not mind him. The fact 
was my necessities compelled me to go to the house. The dog 
seeing I did not mind him ran off toward the house and then 
rallied and came again, this time more furiously, but I kept my go 
for the house, and he backed down again, and when I entered the 
porch and knocked at the door, the little dog in the house com- 
menced barking, that set the big dog on, and I had no time for 
ceremonies, but opened the door and rushed in. I apologized for 
my abrupt entrance. The man told me that I had run a great 
risk, for that dog was one of the most dangerous. I asked if I 
could get accomodations for the night, he told me if I could put 
up with such as he could give I could stay. I told him I had no 
where to stop, and sooner than be turned out I would sleep on the 
floor. They entertained me, and that right comfortably, and 
would not have any pay for it. As I have already stated, I had 
eight appointments and could only preach once a month at each 
place by preaching twice every Sabbath day. During the year we 
had a great revival at Middle Brook, some forty persons professed 
religion and joined the Church. 

I had my Conference Course of studies to attend to, and na 
studio, as .some have, with every other convenience necessary for 
success, but my studio was the country road ; with Watson's 
Institutes in my hand I would sit down on a log of wood, by the 
roadside, and there in solitude, I would pore over my lesson with 
none to disturb my meditations save the sweet songs of the birds, 
as they would cheer me in breaking the monotony of the hour. 

When I would reach the place of destination, I would, after 
the usual greetings, enter a private room, and there with my books 
occupy the time I had to df^vote to reading and study. I made it 
a i)oint to visit all families that I could have access to, and I have 
had it said to me that tiiey had not seen it on this wise before. 



A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 29 

At the Third Quarterly Meeting, the Presiding Elder asked me if 
I wanted to go back, I told him I did not, yet I was willing to go 
wherever the Bishop sent me, but I thought I ought to be taken 
care of. He said that shou.d be done. The year closed. Con- 
ference came on, and I was before the Committee, of the first 
year, in Alexandria, Va. The course of Study was : Watson's 
lastitutes, Plain Account of Christian Perfection, Church History, 
Homiletics, Psychology and Written Sermon. The books to be 
read were : Wesley's Sermons, Steven's History of Methodism, 
and Townsend's Sword and Garment. My examination was 
complimented before the class by the Chairman of the Committee. 
When the appointments were read out my name was declared for 
Monroe Circuit, in Monroe and Greenbrier Counties, West Va. 
This move threw me away from my family about five hundred 
miles. The terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad then 
was at White Sulpher Springs. I went to the Circuit and was 
received cordially. This Circuit to me was, in comparison to the 
one I left, like going out of a dry and barren land, into the land 
of Goshen. The brethren and friends wanted me to take my 
family with me. Some would furnish me with a few cooking 
utensils, some a few chairs, others, again, with a table, and so on, 
and so on. 

My wife was born and raised, and lived in New Town, and 
adjacent thereto, all her life, and knew nothing of the trials of a 
mountain life, and to take her into such a country, and leave her 
to herself, on some lonely road, probably, for a week or more at a 
time, exposed, was more than I could do, consequently, I was the 
second year to myself. We had good times on the Circuit, several 
revivals and additions to the Church. During the year I had a 
spell of sickness, which made it necessary for me to be changed 
the next year. The Doctor, James Wait, at Rocky Point, attended 
me, he informed the Elder that the climate of the mountains was 
too rigorous for me. I, however, knew nothing of it. The Pre- 



30 A Brief History of the Author^s Life. 

siding Elder asked me one day if 1 wanted to come back, and 
stated, at the same time, that the Doctor said I must not stay in 
the mountains. I told him I was fully aware of the fact, and had 
already made up my mind not to do so. One incident while I was 
on this Circuit I wish to relate : At a certain appointment I 
administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. In inviting 
the Communicants to come forward, I discovered a hesitancy to 
do so, I urged the duty, but verj^ few came to the Communion. 
After services were over, and while at the dinner table ©f one of 
the Stewards, the subject came up and the lady of the house said : 
"Brother Murray, perhaps you do not know the reason why there 
was such a staying away from the Sacrament this morning, and I 
will tell you : it is because we have never been baptized." I was 
amazed at this news. Here w^as one of the leading officers of the 
Church and not baptized. I reasoned with them, showed the 
duty, and such a scene took place, during the week, as the result of 
that interview, as I have never witnessed before nor since. The 
man and his wife, with two or three of his children were profes 
sors of religion. Preparations were made for their baptism. The 
father and mother, with the children, who professed religion, I 
requested to kneel side by side on the floor. The children for 
Infant Baptism, I requested to stand by the side of the other chil- 
dren, and I baptized the parents and older children first, after this 
the younger ones, eight persons in all. I learned that the condi- 
tion of this family represented that of many others, and I went 
through the neighborhood, baptizing professors of religion, and 
children, until I left none unattended to that I knew of 

On this Circuit I had many friends. There were several 
revivals and many additions to the Church. In a certain neigh- 
borhood, I found a gortdly number of Christian people who had 
been cut off from their former religious associations by the desola- 
tions of the war. These I gathered together and formed into a 
class. The year was closing up in peace and prosperity, and the 



A Brief History of the Authorh Life. 31 

approaching Conference, which was to be held at Leesburg, wa& 
drawing nigh. In February, I started for the seat of Conference^ 
which was to come off the 1st of March. I rode to White 
Sulphur Springs with my valise in front of me ; there I expressed 
it, and started for Conference on horseback. I rode seven consec- 
utive days, from early morn till night, fording rivers, crossing 
mountains covered with ice and snow, in a drizzling rain that 
would freeze as it w^ould fall, so that my clothes would be frozen 
stiff on me. The distance I rode was about three hundred miles,. 
and in looking back upon that perilous journey, I have admired 
and wondered at that providence which was exercised over me. 
In crossing the mountains, they would be covered with snow but 
I found that underneath the snow was a very slippery sheet of 
ice. My horse was rough-shod, but in spite of that he would slip 
on the ice. I would get down and walk, at what I conceived to 
be the most dangerous places. There were no signs of traveling 
on the road, and if my horse had fallen and crippled me I would 
have died upon the mountain, all alone. Conference came on and 
I went before the Committee, of the second year, for examination. 
The subjects to be examined upon were : Statement and Scripture 
Proofs of Bible Doctrine, AVatson's Theological Institutes, (part 
second,) Baptism, Moral Science and "Written Sermon. The books 
to be read were : Whedon on the Will, Emoi y's Defence of our 
Fathers, Porter's Compendium of Methodism, Gaussen's Origin 
and Inspiration of the Bible, Rawlinson's Historical Evidences, 
Shedd's, Homiletic's and Pastoral Theology. 

After this examination my case was reported on by the 
Committee and Elder both, and I was admitted into full connec- 
tion. When the appointments were read out my name was called 
for Herudon Circuit, in Fairfax County, Va. This was a two 
week's Circuit, on the Washington and Ohio Railroad, about 
eighteen miles from the City of Washington. Some of the 
appointments were only about nine miles from Washington. On 



32 ^i Brief History of the Author'^ s Life. 

this Circuit I was brought in contact with city life, for nearly, if 
not all, the peoi^le did business in the city, and many who held 
offices under the Government lived within the bounds of the Cir- 
cuit. On this Circuit, I spent one of the most pleasant years of 
my life in the Ministry. During my stay on this Circuit, which 
was only one year, we built a Church, which cost, probably, three 
thousand dollars And had it to worship in before the year closed. 
Some incidents occurred while on this Circuit which may be of 
interest to relate. The first is in relation to building the Church 
on ground for which there was no deed given. Some of the most 
influential advised to build without getting a deed as thts ground 
had long ago been given verbally. It seemed that there had been 
two or three efforts to build in years past, and the ground had 
been given by a man who then lived at Herndon, but had moved 
away, and at this time of which we are speaking lived in New 
York State. I told the friends not to do such a reckless thing, but 
first secure the deed and then go ahead. Negotiations were had 
with the party owning the ground. The result was that notwith- 
standing he had given the ground while he lived at Herndon, yet 
now as he had disconnected himself with the place, and moved 
back to his native State, he should charge $50 for it. Here we 
were at a standstill. Where to get the fifty dollars was a subject 
■of reflection. In a few days, however, a lady told me to have the 
deed prepared, which was done by a lawyer, and she would furnish 
the fifty dollars, all of which was done. The deed was executed, 
delivered, and recorded in the Clerk's Office, of Fairfax County, 
Virginia. 

We were now fairly on our feet, and I told the people that we 
would then build the Church, which was built as above stated. 
During the process of building, I went to Alexandria, Washing- 
ton and Georgetown on a begging expedition. Before I com- 
menced,howcver,I went to the Preachers' Meeting in Washington, 
made my cause known to tlieni, and requested an introduction 



A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 33 

to their people which was cordially granted by giving me a 
strong letter. I canvassed the city by Churches, and had a view 
of their internal workings in the way of expenses, how heavily 
they taxed themselves to support the Gospel, such as I never 
had before. One brother, who was door-keeper in the Treasury 
Department, or if not door-keeper had his stand by the door, to 
direct inquiries to any room in the building, told me his salary was 
one thousand dollars a year, and that brother subscribed one 
thousand dollars to build a Church, payable in annual instalments 
of one hundred dollars each till the whole was paid. Another 
incident may serve to show what appeals I had to make to be 
successful. I called on a distinguished lawyer, at the Court House, 
for a subscription ; he encouraged me to expect something 
by telling me to call at his house at four o'clock. I did so 
It was a fine three-story house, on a popular street, and, as the 
reader may suppose, was well furnished. He was at dinner. I 
was invited in, and directed to take a seat in his study, a room, the 
bookcases of which were filled with costly volumes appertaining 
to the law. After he had dined, he entered the office and asked 
what he could do for me. The reader may think that I used a 
little sagacity in taking him upon a full meal, for at such times 
persons are generally in a good humor. I told him I had called in 
compliance with his direction, and desired a donation to my Church. 
He commenced making excuses by telling how much he had to 
pay to the Church, &c. I soon saw that I must make a mighty 
effort to reach him. I commenced by saying : "Mr. So-and-so, 
when I look at your standing as a lawyer, your fine building, your 
splendid furniture, your beautiful library, filled with costly books, 
I must conclude that you are a man of wealth. Suppose now I 
were to tell you something of myself. I have a sick family, on the 
Eastern Shore of Maryland, which I have to support, of a son, 
upon whom rested the fond hopes of his parents for future com- 
fort, now passing away with consumption, and his mother nursing 



34 A Brief History of the Author^s Life. 

him as only a mother can. Suppose I tell you what I have had to 
go through in Virginia. In traveling some Circuits, I have walked 
twenty miles a day without anything to eat and did not rightly 
know where I would lodge at night. To accomplish my Conference 
studies, I had no such conveniences as 5'ou have here, but have had 
to take my books in hand, or if riding, take them in my saddle- 
bags, and in walking sit down by the road side, and there read, 
think and pray. Now after all this, I am here without any charge 
for these services, and get from the Circuit, for the support of my 
family a mere subsistance." This rehearsal was too much for him. 
He said he had never gone through anything like that. He then 
asked me how much I thought he ought to give me. I told him, 
I thought he ought to give me five or ten dollars. In a moment 
he drew his pocket book and handed me five dollars. Another 
incident in connection with this begging expedition, which I liked 
to have forgotten, took place in the Preacher's Meeting, at Wash- 
ington. After I had stated my cause, and after resolution passed, 
and letter given the Rev. R W. Black, who I perceive by the 
Minutes of the Baltimore Conference is Presiding Elder of East 
Baltimore District, but at the time of which I am writing was 
stationed at Wesley Chapel, in Washington, stepped forward and 
said : Brother Murray, I have a little oil in the cruse and some 
meal in the barrel yet, and here is something for your cause." 
With this he handed me ten dollars. I have often thought of that 
dear brother for this generous outburst of benevolence. The year 
closed up, Conference approaching, and this year away from my 
family again. The Conference this time was to meet in the City 
of Norfolk, Virginia. The course of study for the third year, 
upon which I liad to be examined was : Watson's Institutes, (the 
third and fourth parts,) Nast's Introduction to the New Testament, 
Butler's Analogy of Natural and Revealed Religion, Angus' Hand 
Book of the Bible, AVhately's Logic, and Written Sermon. The 
books to be read were : Hagenbach's History of Doctrines, Hurst's 



A Brief History of the Author'' s Life. 35 

History of Rationalism, D' Aubigne's History of the Reformation, 

Wythe's Argument of Science and Revelation. I met the Com- 
mittee with the other members of the Class. I learned after the 
Chairman made his report to the Conference, that my examination 
was highly complimented. When the apj)ointments were read out 
I was to go to Old Point Comfort, Va. The appointment was 
then called Chesapeake City, but has since been changed to Old 
Point Comfort. This was a station with a comibrtable parsonage. 
Here I had to preach twice every Sabbath, hold prayer-meetings, 
class-meetings, and attend the Sabbath School. To this place I had 
to go without my family, as my dear son was too low to move. A 
few day's before he died I received intelligence that he was worse 
and I hastened home, but his spirit had departed, as I was leading 
the Class at Old Point, on Sabbath evening, at six o'clock, April 
the 27th, in the 25th year of his age. We buried him In the 
Methodist Episcopal Church burying ground, of Pocomoke City. 
This closed up the life of John W. Murray, who was a bright 
light in my family and also in his native town in which he was 
reared and in which he died. 

My wife and I had five children born to us ; three are now 
dead, namely : James Henry, Lavinia Catherine and John Wil- 
liam, and two are still living, namely : Francis Thomas, who is 
engaged in the railroad business in the City of Peoria, 111., and 
Harriet Ann, wife of Rev. Albert Jump of the St. Louis Confer- 
ence, who is stationed in the City of St. Louis, Mo. It is but just 
to the name of Francis T. Murray, my son, to say that he was a 
delegate from Worcester County to the Constitutional Conven- 
tion of 1864, and was one of that patriotic band who passed tbe 
Ordinance giving to Maryland a free constitution. After the 
death and burial of our son, my wife and I packed up our house- 
hold goods and moved to Old Point Comfort. After being settled 
in the parsonage, an arrangement was entered into witli Captain 
Woodfin, governor of the Soldiers National Home at Hampton, 



36 A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 

Va., by and with the consent of the OflScial board of the Church 
to serve that institution as chaplain, giving it preaching once in 
four weelis, visiting the Home every week and burying the dead. 
Frequently I was by the bedside of the sick and dying two or 
three times a wpek, trying to give a word of cheer. I pursued 
this course during the time I served them, and to show the spirit 
of those men at my last appointment when I told them that for 
two years I had served them to the best of my ability and now I 
must bid them good by. They came forward, took me by the 
hand and gave me the greatest assurance of their appreciation of 
my visits to that Institution. Captain Woodfin, the Governor of 
the House, is deserving great credit for the tact which is exhibited 
in the laying out of the grounds, for the wise and judicious man- 
agement, as the executive officer of the Home, which is seen cov- 
ering the entire Institution, for it is one of the grandest places to 
look at and to visit. Doctor W. M. Wright, the Surgeon of the 
Home at that time, is among the princes of the land, a man of 
noble bearing. The Church at Old Point was not large in its 
membership, but a nobler set of men and women I have never 
met, in supporting the Gospel. 

When I went to this appointment there was a debt on the Church 
of eight or nine hundred dollars, at the end of my two years stay 
there, I reported to Conference the debt reduced to one hundred 
and seventy-five dollars. I formed many pleasant associations 
while there, and had many warm friends. The first year that I 
was there I took no vacation. The second year my health was 
perceptibly failing. I asked for a few weeks rest, this was readily 
granted, and a letter was handed to me by William H. Kimberly, 
Esq., containing a sum of money to bear my expenses, with the 
names of the doners: Harrison Phoebus, William II. Kimberly 
and James Kelly. For this surprise I made my acknowledgements. 
The first year closed up with some few accessions as the result of 
a revival meeting. The approaching Conference met in Alexan- 



A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 37 

dria, Va., in the latter part of February, 1874. I met the Com- 
mittee of the fourth year's course. The answers to all questions 
in this course of study had to be submitted to the Committee of 
Examination in Writing. 

To insert them here in detail would be too burdensome, as they 
amounted to about seventy-five in number, together with the 
statements required, and filled over sixty-three pages, of closely 
written matter, in a book of three inches aud five eighths wide, by 
five inches and five eighths long. The leading topics upon which 
this course of study was based were laid down in sections as fol- 
lows : Section I, Personal Religions, Life and Habits. Section II, 
Examination of the Bible. Section III, On the Doctrines of the 
Bible. Section IV, Church Organization and Government. Sec- 
tion V, Ecclesiastical History. So far as I know this examination 
was entirely satisfactory. The appointments were read out and I 
was returned to Old Point. During this year, as I have already 
stated, my health began to fail, and I had to contemplate the 
propriety of asking, at the hands of the Conference a rest for one 
year. I made it a subject of special prayer and sought direction 
from him who heareth in secret. The year closed up in peace 
and success in the interests of the church. The approaching 
Conference was to be held in the City of Portsmouth, Virginia. 
When it convened I made my request known, which was granted, 
though not without an expression of regret by the Presiding 
Bishop, Doctor Jesse T. Peck. I took a supernumerary relation 
with the understanding that I was to return to the work the next 
year. I then moved to New Town, now Pocomoke City, and 
commenced fitting up a resting place. In October, of this year I 
received a letter from the Presiding Elder, of Richmond District, 
inquiring whether or not I could take charge of Vienna Circuit, 
which was left vacant by the former pastor, who had left his post. 
Immediately, I answered that I would, and, as soon, thereafter, as 
I could get ready, I started for the work. This Circuit embraced 



38 A Brief History of the Author^ s Life. 

five appointments. The extremes were Fairfax Court House and 
Lewinville. The intennediates were Flint Hill, Vienna and Fre- 
dom Hill. When I went on this Circuit, I intended to enter the 
eflfective ranks again at Conference, but having to travel that Cir- 
cuit on foot in the winter, through snow, rain and mud, I took 
such a cold in my head, which went down on my throat forming 
severe ulcers accompanied with chills and fevers, which com- 
pletely unfitted me for further service. I was peremptorily advised 
by my physician to go home and take care of myself. In view of 
this state of things I was compelled to ask the Conference to con- 
tinue my relation as Supernumerary. This time the Conference 
was held in Alexandria, Va., in February, 1876. From that time 
to the present, I have held my membership in the Conference as a 
Supernumerary. Now while the shadows of evening gather 
around me and admonish me that the most of my life work is 
already done, I review the past and call up, in memory, the days 
of my childhood, when I bowed at the knees of my mother and 
learned to say : "Our Father who art in heaven," and : "Now I 
lay me down to sleep." When I think of my childish sports and 
plays with my brothers and sisters, at the old homestead ; and my 
young associates, with whom I used to play on the old hill, which 
is now the Public Square. When I call to mind the time when I 
married my wife, the companion of my youth and the mother of 
my children, and that it was here that most of the struggles of life 
have accorred, in supporting my family. As I call up in memory 
my dearest ones, who are no more with me here, but whose 
mouldering dust sleeps in their graves, in the burying ground of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. When I think of my early 
christian association with many, with whom I took sweet counsel 
in christian fellowship, who have crossed the river before me, and 
are now in the l)ettcr land, around whose dying beds I have stood 
and witnessed their last shouts of victoiy as they passed away. I 
say, in reviewing the past, I am constrained to say out of a full 



A Brief HUtory of the Author's Life. 39 

heart, with good will to all my fellow citizens, and malice towards 
none, Oh! New Town, New Town, now Pocomoke City; with 
all thy faults I love thee still. 

JAMES MURRAY. 



HISTORY OF' POGOMOKE) GiTY 
FORMERLY NEW TOWN, 

ITS ORIGIN AND T O \A/^ N LIMITS. 



CHAPTER I. 

In writing a history of New Town, I have been no httle 
perplexed in gathering up evidence in regard to its origin. 
There is, however, one item ot historical fact which gives 
some clue to it, namely : A certain Col William Stevens, 
who was, probably, staff officer to Lord Baltimore, estab- 
lished in 1670 what has since been called, for many years. 
Stevens' Ferry. 

A scrap of Col. Stevens' history may not be out ot place 
here. He had a grant from Lord Baltimore to take up all 
the lands from the mouth of the Pocomoke River to Lewis- 
town, Delaware, and setde the same, which he did, with 
a colony of Welsh, Irish and English. He was one of 
Lord Baltimore's counsellors, was Judge of Somerset Court 
for twenty two years, and departed this life the 23d day 
of December, in 1687, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. 

The reader will rememl)er that, originally, Somerset 
County embraced all of Worcester County too, and the 
Court House stood on the rise of ground, on Edwin 
Townsend's farm, in Somerset County, at the junction of 
Cokes Bury and Snow Hill roads, leading to Dividing 
Creek Bridge. Indeed, the farm, from our earliest recol- 
lection, until recently, has been called Court House Farm, 
but now the nan^.e is becoming obsolete. 



Formerly New Town. 41 

Steven's Ferry reached from the Somerset side of Poco- 
T«noke River, adjoining the Phosphate Factory of Freeman, 
Xloyd, Mason and Dry den, to the foot of the Pocomoke 
IBridge, on the Worcester side. 

This Ferry was the center of business for this whole sec- 
"tion of the country. 

The country on both sides of the river was, with some 
-exceptions, a dense wilderness. 

The historical fact of Stevens' Ferry being erected in 
1670 will serve as a nucleus with which to associate the 
'■history of New Town. 

All other evidence, which I have been able to obtain 
.relative to the origin of the place is traditional. 

Tradition says : About the time or shortly after the 
•erection of Stevens' Ferry a New England trader came up 
;.the Pocomoke River in his vessel, ladened with New 
England Rum and Cheese, and sought a landing at the 
Perry, to sell his cargo, but the authorities drove him oft", 
.and he dropped his vessel down the river to the next knoll 
on the Worcester side, which we used to call the Hill, but 
is now called the Public Square. 

Here he pitched his tent and traded with the sparse 
inhabitants, as they would come with their produce to 
4:rade for Rum and Cheese. 

The reader must conclude, of course, that the plank 
lent which he put up was the only house, or substitute for 
a house, in the neighborhood ; all around him were forest 
trees, between him and the river were mud flats and 
;tuckahoes. 



42 History of PocomoJce City, 

Tradition goes on further to say : That about the year- 
1683 or '84 the place was then called Meeting House Land- 
ing, in view of the saying that a Presbyterian House of 
Worship was erected on the lot which was called, when I 
was a boy, the Sacher Lot, a nick name for Zachariah, as. 
the lot then belonged to one Zachariah Lambertson, but: 
now belonging to William J. S. Glarke, known of late- 
years as the Adreon Lot, at the foot of Willow St. 

"History states that about the year 1680, a petition was- 
gotten up by Colonel William Slevens and others, and' 
sent to the Presbytery of Laggan, Ireland, for a Minister^ 
to come and settle in this part of the Colony to preach the 
Gospel and look after the interests of the Presbyterian 
Church in these western wilds." 

" In 1682 the Rev. Francis Makemie, was sent to the 
Colony, a man of celebrity, under whose supervision and' 
oversight, tradition says, this house was built. 

About the year 1700, the Tobacco Warehouse was built.. 

Tobacco having been made a legal tender by the House- 
of Burgesses, and a fixed price per pound established, for- 
all debts, public and private, the warehouse became the 
place of deposit for the circulating medium. 

At this juncture of time, the name of the place was* 
changed from Meeting House Landing to Warehouse: 
Landing, or both may alternately have been used. Why 
the change was made, whether the log Church had beeiia 
abandoned or not, is all left to conjecture. 

I remember, well, the old Tobacco Warehouse, it stoodJ 
about 120 years, and when it was torn down there was; 



Formerly New Town. 43 

good material in it, and though I was but a child, yet I had 
many a romp and play in it, with my little associates, in 
hide-and-go-seek. It's large tobacco hogsheads, and 
and scales, and weights are still fresh in my memory. It 
stood on the hill, between the pump and the south-west 
corner of Smullen & Bro's., Store. 

From 1700 to the days of the Revolution, there is no 
evidence that I have been able to obtain, either historical 
or traditional, in regard to New Town. 

There are some few facts, however, which are within the 
writer's own knowledge, which may serve as reminiscences 
of that period, and fill up in some little degree the place 
of the lost history. I allude to some few old houses,, 
which were probably coeval with the Old Tobacco Ware- 
house, one or two of which stood on the ground, now 
occupied by Smullen & Brother's Storehouse, one adjoining 
the ground now occupied by Twilly & Brother's Livery 
Stables, inhabited by an old lady by the name of Elizabeth 
Matthews. There were three or four more, only one of 
which I shall call the reader's attention to, which was a 
small red house, and stood on the south-west corner of 
Market and Second Streets. In this house a Revo- 
lutionary Soldier lived by the name of Daniel Spaulding. 

These houses served as land marks, pointing to the 
period from 1700 to 1776, and show conclusively that they 
were once occupied by those who have long since passed 
away, and, so far as we have been able to ascertain, have 
left no tidings behind them. 



44 History of Pocomohe City 

The reader is already aware that this place was called 
Ware House Landing, and that name continued until 1780 
or thereabouts, when it was changed to New Town. There 
is no record of the fact, why, or by whom the change was 
made. I remember about forty years ago, of having an 
interview with a man by the name of Reville, who said 
that he gave to this place the name of New Town. Be 
that as it may, there are some reflections presumptive of 
the fact. He was at the time of the interview eighty or 
ninety years old, so that at the time the place was named, he 
was twenty or twenty-five years old, admitting the fact 
that he was not a conspicuous man in the community, and 
that such changes generally take place by men of distinc- 
tion, yet it will be remembered that the inhabitants of the 
place were very few, and the surrounding country sparsely 
settled, so that there is a possibility that his statement is 
true, though I leave the reader to form his own con- 
clusions, 

CHAPTER n. 

TOWN LIMITS. 

We w^ill now proceed to consider the geographical 
position or town limits of the place. 

There were no incorporate lines encircling it then as we 
have now, so that I shall have to prescribe them for the 
town as it existed as late as 1820. As the Hill or Public 
Square was the center of the town, the reader will start 
with me from this place, and go out Front Street as far as 
the Bridge Causeway, or Colonel Merrill's property, thence 



Formerly New Town. 45 

take a straight course to the corner of Market and Second 
Streets, thence out Second to Willow Street, thence down 
Willow to the junction of Willow and Front Streets, thence 
on Front to the Hill or Public Square. 

These limits may be safely considered as the boundary 
lines of New Town as late as the above date. In order to 
have a more perfect view of the place, at this date, we will 
begin with a description of its County Wharf, Public 
Square, Streets and Houses. The County Wharf lies 
directly between Messrs. Clark, and Smullen & Brother's 
granaries, and is twenty-eight feet long. I have tried to 
find the date when this wharf was built, by having the 
record of Worcester and Somerset counties both searched, 
but have failed ; the presumption is, however, that it's 
date reaches back to 1700, which is the date of the build- 
ing of the Tobacco Warehouse. The reader may now 
stand upon this wharf and contemplate the fact, that sixty 
years ago there was naught on either side of it, but bramble, 
tuckahoes and mud flats. It is true there was a shoal or 
canoe landing at the foot of Willow Street, more in the 
direction of Fontain's ice house, where we used to fasten 
our canoes, and also a landing at the old Shipyard : tlie 
same place that is used as a shipyard by James T. Young. 
The Public Square or Hill, as we used to call it, was 
sixty years ago, a hill of some prominence, but time has 
leveled it. It was then, as now, entirely surrounded by 
houses, though of a different character, while now they 
are all business houses ; then they were all family resi- 



46 History of Pocomoke City^ 

dences, with one or two exceptions, consequently the hill 
was the center of the town for business and social life. 

Here the men and boys would meet in the evenings and 
have their sports, plays and social pastimes ; here, too, the 
merchants would pile their lumber, consisting of planks, 
laths, &c. Here, on this hill, I have witnessed many a 
hard fight, and many funny scenes. 

There were four principal streets, which were called 
roads, namely : Market Street, which was called Virginia 
road ; Second Street, which was called Cedar Hall Road ; 
Front Street, winding round into Linden Street and 
onward, was called the Snow Hill Road ; and lastly, the 
old Ferry Road, which had its convergence in the Snow 
Hill Road, leading to the Hill or Public Square. There 
were two or three other streets, which were of minor 
importance, only one of which might be reqognized as a 
public thorough-fare, and that was Willow Street. 

Within the limits of the town, there were twenty-eight 
dwelling houses and seven or eight business houses com- 
prising stores and mechanical shops. Outside of those 
limits, there were five houses, occupied by families, which 
might be considered suburban residences. 

The old Methodist Episcopal Church that stood on the 
site of the present one, which now is in the heart of the 
town, w<is then in the suburbs, in full conformity with the 
old custom to put the Church out of town. 

The houses were mostly one story high, they were 
built out of good material, and in workmanlike order, for 
those days. Some were finished inside with beautiful 



Jbormerly New Town, 47 

panel work, others again were lathed and plastered, while 
many were never finished at all. 

In order to ascertain the population of the town, we 
may calculate five to a family, the probabilities of which 
the reader can determine, as well as myself, we have then 
within its limits one hundred and forty-persons ; if we 
include the five suburban families, on the same basis, we 
have twenty-five more, making the aggregate one hundred 
and sixty-five persons living in New Town and its precincts 
as late as 1820. I have thus given a description of New 
Town, of its County Wharf, Public Square, Houses, 
Streets, and Town Limits, up to 1820, and shall close this 
part of the history by saying that the old Tobacco Ware- 
house, which had served its day during Colonial times, 
was, after the independence of the Colonies and the 
establishment of the currency of the Republic in dollars 
and cents, left to decay, and having stood until about 18 19 
was finally torn down. 

CHAPTER HI. 

GROWTH, CHANGE OF NAME, ETC, 

Of the enlargement and general improvement of the 
"4:own, from 1820 to the present time, (1882.) 

For the first two decades there was no advancement of 
.any extent in this direction. 

From 1840 to i860, enterprise seemed to lay its hand 
mpon New Town and claim it for its subject. New build- 
ings were erected, of modern taste, comprising store 
3iouses, dwelling houses, churches and an academy ; some 



48 Hist'Ty of Pocomoke City^ 

of them reaching out into the suburbs. For all the: 
country from the corner of Market and Second Streets, all- 
around, was unoccupied save a few dwellings which were- 
scattering. 

Where the Protcstani Episcopal and Methodist Pro- 
testant Churches now stand, together with all other- 
houses on the eastern side of Market Street, was a farm,, 
and the old homestead was where Captain Isaac N. Veasey 
now lives. All the country on the south-west side of" 
Market Street, sa\e a few unimportant small dwellings,, 
was cultivated lots and woods. All the land from Littleton^ 
Duer's coner, the south-eastern side of Second Street,, 
running to Cedar street, embracing the high school and. 
beyond, was a field in which I have worked many a day,, 
when a little boy. "hoeing corn." 

"In 1865, an act of incorporation was secured, and in it: 
full power and authority was given the Town Commis- 
sioners to widt n and straighten old streets, and to lay out; 
and construct new ones, and to perform such other acts, 
as, in their judgment, might be required to secure the- 
health, happiness and prosperity of the town." 

" At the first election held under this charter, the people 
<hose C. C. Lloyd, W. S. C. Polk, Charles Marshall,. 
Joseph Riley and W. J. Long, for Town Commissioners,, 
all good and active men, who soon showed, by their acts,, 
that they were intent on improvements." 

" They appointed a commission composed of Edward; 
S. Young, Dr. John L. PI earn, and William S. Dickinson,, 
to make a survey of the town, and to straighten and wideix. 



Formerly New Town. 49^ 

the old streets and lay out several new ones. They per- 
formed their duty promptly and well, and soon the town? 
began to assume something like proportion and regularity. 
No one, unacquainted with New Town at that period, 
can imagine the vast changes and improvements made by 
these acts." 

The above quotations I have taken from Dr. John T. B. 
McMaster's Centennial Address, delivered before the 
people of Pocomoke City, on the 4th of July, 1876. 

The reader will learn that the above commission 
extended the limits of New Town about three-fourths of a 
mile, in every direction, from the Public Square, save from 
its north-western course, as in that direction it is bounded 
by the Pocomoke river, upon whose southern side the 
town lies. 

From 1865 down to the present day, progress, unprece- 
dented by the past, has marked its course, so that now we 
have in New Town, or Pocomoke City, well laid out. 
streets, some of which are macadamized and contribute, 
in no little degree, to the enjoyment of an evening drive. 
There are within the limits of the corporation about two 
hundred and twenty-five houses, comprising dwellings, 
store houses, mechanical shops, steam mills, churches, the 
Clark house and high-school building, both of which are 
ornaments to the place. Indeed, the high-school building 
is of such a character as to call forth, in terms of praise,. 
the declaration from the Superintendant of PubHc Schools 
of Maryland, in an address, delivered before the citizens- 
of New Town, that "it was the finest school building on 
the Eastern Shore of Maryland." 



so Histori) of Pocomoke City^ 

The dwelling houses are of modern style, and are, with 
few exceptions, fine buildings, indeed, some of them are 
■of a palatial character, while the churches, seven in num- 
ber, are all good buildings, and amply accommodate, with 
seats, the church going people of Pocomoke City. 

Before closing our history of New Town, in its buildings 
and general improvements, from its earliest history to the 
present, we are compelled to record the fact, that its old 
name is no more, it has passed away, together with its 
former inhabitants, and they all lie in the grave together. 

The reader will be informed that the citizens of the 
place, by an almost unanimous request, petitioned the 
Legislature of Maryland for a new name, setting forth in 
that petition their desire that it should be called Pocomoke 
City, and by an action of the General Assembly of Mary- 
land, held in 1878, it was so named. 

The credit of this change is due chiefly to the Rev. T. 
O. Ayres, who was the prime mover in the whole affair. 

Now we take rank with other names of modern date 

and with modern advancement, with a population of 

1500 inhabitants. 

CHAPTER IV. 

MERCANTILE ASPECT. 

In presenting the Mercantile aspect of New Town, 
now Pocomoke City, I shall give with it, a brief sketch of 
the lives of many who have been and are still engaged in 
the sale of goods. 

I have no information of any merchant in New Town 
earlier than 1790 or 1800. 



ForTnerly New Town. 51 

During that period, there was a Frenchman, by the 
name of Boozee, who settled In New Town, and com- 
menced the sale of goods. 

He lived on the lot which faces on Market, Front and 
Willow Streets ; his store was on the corner of Market 
:and Front Streets. 

How long he was engaged In the trade I have no 
information ; he was a man of some wealth, and when he 

• died, Colonel Levin Pollett settled his estate. He had a 
wife and one child, his wife died some time after him ; 
they were both buried on the lot where they lived. What 
became of the daughter I have no information. 

In 1803 Michael Murray settled in New Town, and 

• commenced the sale of goods; his dwelling and store 
house both were on the lot where William J. S. Clarkenow 

lives. He was also engaged in the shipping business. He 
sold goods until 18 18 when he retired from mercantile 
life. He accumulated considerable property. For several 
years after he retired from the busy whirl of mercantile 
life, he served as Post- Master for New Town. 

In 1827, he moved to the City of Baltimore, where in 
1 83 1, he died, being at the time of his death sixty-nine 
■years of age. 

Somewhere near 1803, Edward Stevenson settled In 
New Town, and commenced merchandising. He lived on 
the lot where Mrs. Mary Merrill now lives. His store- 
house was on the Hargis lot adjoining William Redden's 
liouse. Afterwards he built the store house, where Town- 
••send and Stevenson sell goods, at the corner of Front 



62 History of Pocomoke City^ 

Street and Public Square ; here he continued store keep- 
ing until he died, which event took place in 1816. 

Sometime after he came to New Town, he built the 
dwelling house now occupied by his grandson, Jacob 
Stevenson, and lived in it until his death. He left a widow" 
and six children. He also amassed considerable wealth, 
and left each one of his children a handsome property. 
His tomb is in the Methodist Episcopal Church burying 
ground, of this place, with the following inscription upon: 
the marble slab that covers his remains : 

" In memory of Edward Stevenson, who was born, 
February 14th, 1771, and died the 22nd day of September,. 
18 16, aged fourty-five years, seven months and eight- 
days." 

During the time aforesaid, there were several other 
stores in New Town, kept by Jesse Henderson, Stephen 
Redden, Joshua Sturgis, and a young man by the name of 
Bounds; but Michael Murray and Edward Stevenson were: 
the leading merchants of their day. 

The articles of merchandise, by the leading stores, were 
the finest dress goods, such as silks, satins, cambrics, Irish, 
linen, broad cloths, cassimeres, together with all other dry 
goods, hardware, crockeryware, and a general stock of 
groceries and spirituous liquors. 

The other stores dealt in groceries, liquors and the more- 
common dry goods. 

As Jesse Henderson, Stephen Redden and Joshua. 
Sturgis were old citizens of New Town, it is but just tc^- 



Formerly New Town. 53 

their memory that the following tribute should here be 
inserted : 

Jesse Henderson was a ship carpenter by trade; when 
he commenced the sale of goods, and how long he was 
engaged in it, 1 have no knowledge. With him, his wife, 
•daughter and grandchildren, I have been most intimately 
acquainted. He was an honest, upright man in his deal- 
ings, very retired in his disposition, and highly respected 
by the entire community. He was great grandfather to 
Edward H. Clarke and Mrs. Mary Quinn. He died in 
1832 or '33, and his remains rest in the old Long Burying 
Ground, on the /arm now occupied by William W. Quinn, 
where the most of the Long family, who have deceased, 
are buried. 

His wife, aunt Polly Henderson, for so we used to call 
Jier, was a most exemplary woman, I knew her well from 
my infancy to the time of her death. 

While I am giving some account of her husband, I feel 
it due to her name to say that she was my ideal of a model 
wife. She was a keeper-at-home, no gadder-about, no 
tattler, no busy-body in other people's business. I never 
"heard her speak an unkind word of any one; always had a 
•pleasant word and pleasant face. 

She died in a good old age, and was buried in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church Burying ground, of this 
•place. 

Stephen Redden sold goods, in New Town, for many 
years, and, although his stock in trade was not so exten- 
sive as the heaviest merchants, yet his business yielded 



64: History of Pocomoke City^ 

him a comfortable support. He raised an intelligent: 
family of children, one of which was considered to be the 
smartest young man in New Town, in his day ; I allude to- 
his son, George S. Redden, whose history will be givert 
under another heading. 

Stephen Redden was a good citizen, peaceable, inoffen- 
sive, and full of fun ; he was somewhat beyond middle life 
when he died. He was buried in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church burying ground, in New Town. 

Joshua Sturgis was one of the best of men, and his wife 
was equally as good as he was. They were the salt of the 
earth in all that was good and great ; great in the sense of 
natural and mental gifts, for they raised a family of boys,, 
whose talents for mathematics have never been excelled 
by any boys raised in New Town. They both passed 
away, at a good old age, as ripe shocks of corn ready for 
the garner. 

CHAPTER V. 

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED).. 

After the death of Edward Stevenson, David Long; 
who was his chief clerk, married his widow, setded his 
estate, and commenced merchandising, in his own name, 
at the same stand where he had been clerking. 

He sold goods until 1832, during which year he died. 
He was buried on his father's farm, at present occupied by- 
William W. Quinn. 

Upon his tomb stone is the following inscription : 

" In memory of David Long, who was born the 23rd 



Formerly New Town. 55- 

day of November, 1788, and died the 4th day of May, 
1832, Aged forty-three years, five months, and elevea 
days." 

"O ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains, 

Draw near with pious reverence and attend. 
Here lie the loving husband's dear remains, 

The tender father and the generous friend, 
The pitying heart that felt for human woe, 

The dauntless heart that feared no human pride. 
The friend of man, to vice alone a foe ; 
For even his failings leaned to virtue's side." 

As David Long was one of the most successful mer- 
chants in the early history of New Town, it is but just to- 
his memory that a brief sketch of his life should here be 
inserted. 

He was born the 23rd day of November, ryyS, and 
reared on his father's farm undl he entered Edward. 
Stevenson's store as clerk. 

How old he was when this change in his life took place 
we are left to conjecture, at all events he must have been 
quite a large boy. 

As it was attended with no little difficulty in getting 
even the rudiments of an education, in those days, it is. 
presumable that the advantages which he had in the store, 
in the use of the pen, and figures, was of great service to 
him in developing his latent powers as an accountant. He 
commenced business for himself when he was twenty- 
seven years old, and for sixteen years he applied himself 
closely to business. When he died, in 1832, he had 



.56 History of Pocomoke City, 

amassed, what might be called, an Eastern Shore fortune, 
the probable sum of $40,000. 

He was a man of even temperament, with an amiable 
•disposition, polite, obliging, and very winning in his man- 
ners, consequently he was very popular ; indeed, he had 
won the respect and confidence of the entire surrounding 
country, and it would have been a futile effort in anyone 
to have sought to divide the patronage that went into his 
:Store. 

Captain John W. Long commenced the mercantile 
business, in New Town, in 1815. During this year^he 
married Miss Sally Laws Henderson, a young lady of 
Intellectual culture and high moral worth. 

Captain Long was a brother to David Long and was 
his senior by two years. While yet a youth he chose 
the life of a sailor, and made his first voyage to Amster- 
dam, in a brig built on the dividing creek. He rose, from 
"before the mast, to be captain of a ship. 

During the Berlin and Milan decrees, under Napoleon 
Bonaparte, he was taken prisoner and carried to Naples ; 
upon his release, he returned home, and, as already 
-stated, he commenced merchandising in New Town. 

His store ranked as first-class, though he did not do 
"business to the extent that his brother David did. He 
•was engaged in the sale of goods nineteen years. He was 
the father of four children, only two of whom are now 
living : Rev. John D. Long and David H. Long, and was 
grandfather of William W. aud John L. Quinn. 



Formerly New Toion. 57 

Captain Long was an intelligent, unassuming and 
strictly honest man. He was the poor man's friend, a kind 
husband and father, and died honored and loved by all who 
knew him. I have the following from the old family 
Bible, now in the posession of William W. Quinn : 

^'Captain John W. Long, was born the 22nd day of 
October, 1786, near New Town, and died the 27th day of 
May, 1834, in the 48th year of his age. 

There were other stores in New Town at the time of 
which I have been speaking, namely : Jacob Riggin and 
John Burnett, doing business under the firm of Riggirk 
& Burnett ; their store ranked as first-class. 

The others were kept by Samuel Carey, McKimmie 
Lecompte, father of the venerable James Lecompte, of 
Snow Hill ; and Nicholas Jones. John Burnett was uncle 
to William S. Dickinson, Mrs. Sally Blain and Mrs. 
Elizabeth Hughes ; and was the best penman in New 
Town, in his day. He finally moved to the City of Balti- 
more, where he died. 

John S. Stevenson succeeded David Long, and com- 
menced the sale of goods in 1833. He sold goods about 
nine years, when he retired from mercantile life. 

Mr. Stevenson was very popular, indeed, he was the 
leading spirit of the place, in his day, he seemed to seek 
more the public good than his own emolument. 

He was quite a mechanical genius, could construct 
almost any agricultural implement that would make labor 
easier, and in this direction he was much sought after. 



58 History of Pocomolce City, 

In 1833, he conceived the idea of stretching a rope 
across the river, at Steven's Ferry, by which the propul- 
sion of the ferry boat was conducted with greater ease. 

Before this event, the boat was propelled by oars, which 
mode of crossing, in stormy weather, was attended with 
great danger. 

He had a high sense of moral rectitude, was strictly 
honest in his dealings, was a warm friend, and out-spoken 
and un-compromising in his denunciations of those he 
conceived to be in the wrong. 

In 1854, he went to the state of Missouri, and in 1867 he 
died, in the city of Hannibal, in the 60th year of his age. 

About the year 1833, Colonel William H. Merrill com- 
menced merchandising, in New Town, he was also engaged 
in the shipping business ; he had an extensive trade, and 
made considerable money ; he sold goods about thirty 
years, and retired from active life. 

Colonel Merrill was a native of Worcester County, 
served an apprenticeship at the hatting business with Jacob 
Rogers, in the city of Baltimore. 

He commenced the hatting business for himself in Snow 
Hill, married Miss Eliza Stevenson, of this place, and 
jnoved here, where he continued the hatting business until 
the above named period, when he commenced to sell 
:goods. 

He was quite a business man, accommodating, obliging, 
polite, and dignified in his manners ; was a warm friend 
and quite genial in social bearing. 



iFortrierly New Town. 59 

He lived to a good old age, and died at home, in the 
imidst of his friends, at the age of seventy-two years ; his 
a-emains were deposited in the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
JBurying Ground, of this place. 

CHAPTER VI. 

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

During John S. Stevenson's mercantile life, there were 
other stores in the place, namely : William R. Truitt, 
Burroughs & Davis, Maddux & Fields, James Stevenson, 
-and probably others. Some of them did quite a heavy 
^business. They were all good citizens and their trade 
yielded them a fair income. 

There is only one of this number that I shall give an 
-extended account of, and this is James Stevenson, and it is 
^because of the novelty of his case. 

He commenced to sell goods at an early date, in New 
'Town, prior to this, however, he taught school. 

I have heard it said of him that he commenced mer- 
'chandising on a capital of eighty dollars. His store, of 
•course, was a small affair, but his trade was sufficient to 
■give him a comfortable living. He dealt principally in 
sugar, coffee, molasses, pork, liquor, tobacco and a few of 
the coarser dry goods. He was magistrate during a great 
part of his mercantile life. 

He went by the name of little Jimmie, in consequence 
of his being small of stature. 

He sold goods for thirty years, during all that time he 
raever visited the city, but purchased his goods by proxy^ 



60 History of Pocomoke Oityy 

He died 1861, aged sixty-seven years, and liis tomb* 
stands in the Presbyterian Cemetery, of Pocomoke City. 

In 1840, Grove & Harris bought out the stock in trade: 
of John S. Stevenson, and pursued the mercantile business* 
until 1844, when they retired. 

In 1844, William J. S. Clarke and William H. T.Clarvoe- 
united in co-partnership, in the sale of goods, in New- 
Town, under the firm of Clarke & Clarvoe, which firrrt 
continued successfully for eight years, when by mutual> 
consent they dissolved partnership. 

Mr. Clarke, at slight intervals, has conducted a business- 
on a large scale ever since; part of the time by himself 
and the balance of the time with his son, Edward H_ 
Clarke, and his brother John H. Clarke. 

His business career runs nearly thirty-eight years. 

He built the first steamboat, the first Marine railway^ 
and the first three masted schooner on the Eastern Shore^ 
He has during his time built from forty to fifty vessels^ 
During the last sixteen years he has, in common with his. 
brother, run the steam mill business and Marine railway^ 
which have done an average business of $40,000 annually. 
He owns ten thousand acres of land, some of it is ini. 
fine estates. 

He also owns thirty houses and lots, and amongst 
them is the well known Clarke House, which is one of the 
first Hotels on the Eastern Shore. He is also one of the 
directors and stockholders of the Eastern Shore Steam- 
boat Company. He has been twice married, his first wife 



Formerly New Town. 61 

"was Miss Amanda C. Clarvoe, daughter of the well-known 
Dr. John B. H. W. Clarvoe ; his second wife was Miss Eliza- 
beth A. Hargis, daughter of Thomas M. Hargis. He has 
ifour children, two by each wife. 

It will be no detriment to Mr. Clarke to say that he was 
;a poor boy. He was born the twenty-third day of June, 
J 823, in Somerset county, near tl\is place. His mother 
»died when he was two weeks old ; he was then taken and 
Taised by Captain Robert W. Swan, whose wife was a 
relative of his mother. 

Captain Swan, being a New Englander and a sea cap- 
ttain was well educated : consequently he was well pre- 
pared to give Mr. Clarke a liberal education, for those days* 
which he did. 

Mr. Clarke began his mercantile life with John S. 
Stevenson, in the fall of 1838, in the fifteenth year of his 
age. He remained with Mr. Stevenson two years. In 
1840, he went to New Orleans at the age of seventeen 
years, and remained there until 1844, when he returned 
again to New Town and commenced to do business for 
himself as before stated. 

In Mr. Clarke's case, we can see what can be done by 
a man of push, who is determined to succeed, for he had 
aiothing to commence on but the wide world in which to 
ply his active mind, and this scrap of his life shows how 
well he has played his part. 

There are two features of his character that are 
Tworthy of notice : 

'The first is, that he is an indomitable worker, always 



62 History of Pocomolce Cityy 

full of business and always at business. The second is, ara 
ardent desire to promote his friends. 

About 1835, Joseph Fisher engaged in the sale of 
goods in New Town, he occupied the old stand of his 
father-in-law, Stephen Redden, for several years and then, 
moved to the city of Baltimore. 

Between 1844 and 1850, there were several other- 
stores in New Town, such as : William Tcwnsend, Irving 
Merrill, William T. Hearn, Oliver Jones, J. Francis Hen- 
derson and David H. Long, doing business under the- 
firm of Henderson and Long, Quinn and Sturgis, Ashcraft 
and Risley ; after a while David Long drew out of the- 
firm of Henderson and Long, and Henderson took as a. 
partner, George W. Hargis, then James Sturgis as a third 
partner. After continuing sometime Henderson bought 
out Hargis and Sturgis and transacted business by himself; 
after continuing by himself for sometime, he took as part- 
ners his brother Henry Henderson and Levin Conner. 

During this partnership J. Francis Henderson died^ 
then Henry Henderson and Levin Conner conducted the 
business for two years, when Conner sold out to Hender- 
son, then Henry Henderson transacted business in his own. 
name for five years or until 1S65, when he closed out. 

All the above named stores were first-class stores, and 
the proprietors were all highly reputable men ; they have 
all passed away except Henry Henderson and LevirL 
Conner, who are still living in this place, and David H^ 
Long, who lives in the City of Baltimore, and is engagecfi 



Formerly New Town. 63 

in a very extensive wholesale phosphate house, as general 
agent. 

Mr. Long is something over fifty years of age, of 
high moral character, of tried integrity, and has ever been 
found faithful to all trusts committed to his care, and is 
worthy of any position of trust and responsibility which 
may be placed in his hands. 

CHAPTER VII. 

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED.) 

In 1843, Captain Henry Long commenced merchan- 
dising, in New Town, and continued until 1855, in which 
year he died. His store was considered the poor man's 
store to deal at; he always kept a heavy stock of groceries, 
and sold his goods lower than others. 

It was said by some that there was no chance for other 
merchants in New Town, as long as Captain Long sold 
goods. His eventful life is worthy of notice in this history ; 
in many respects he was a remarkable man ; he com- 
menced life a poor boy, with but litde education, engaged 
as cook on board of a schooner, and continued the life of 
a sailor until he was 63 years of age. He then engaged in 
the sale of goods until he died. He rose from the position 
of cook to be master and owner of his vessel. While 
engaged in the vessel trade he amassed considerable wealth. 

Captain Long, though comparatively uneducated, had 
studied human nature, and had as large a share of the 
knowledge of men as the most scientific. His was a 



64 History of Pocomoke City, 

decided character ; integrity marked the whole course of 

his life. 

He was true to his engagements. No one ever feared 
that Captain Long would not meet his word. He was 
also kind and benevolent. Many a dollar he has given 
to the poor ; he took a real pleasure in accommodating 
and helping those who were in need. 

Captain Harry long, for so we used to call him, was a 
bachelor; and, as a matter of course, his associations were 
with the young folks. He was also quite eccentric ; 
would make it a point to go to church at least twice a 
year, when the preacher would come on the circuit, and 
_go again to hear his farewell discourse. 

On one occasion he went out to church ; it so happened 
that the young preacher had the first appoint. Captain 
Long took his seat as usual near the door. After the 
sermon was over the young men gathered around him 
and asked him how he liked the discourse. Captain 
Long had a by-word, very pat, which he called " By 
Jing," and he was much in the habit of smacking his 
mouth and shrugging his shoulders in conversation. 
When he was asked, " How did you like the discourse ? " 
he replied : " O ! by jing, boys," with a smack of the 
mouth and shrug of the shoulders, " that other preacher 
is a big preacher." 

" How do you know, Capt. Long, have you ever heard 
him ? " " No, by jing, I have never heard him, but I will 
tell you what I go by. They generally send them like 
shad — a big one and a little one together." 



Formerly New Town. 65 

Captain Long was full of fun for the young folks. 
Sometimes he tried his talent at poetry, for instance, the 
following as a sample : 

"As she slips she slides along, 
A trusty friend is hard to find." 

He was thoughtful and kind to the poor. He left in 
his will the sum* of $2,500 to be appropriated towards 
educating the poor children in and around New Town. 
This sum was appropriated by the Commissioners or the 
School Board of the county, by and with the consent of 
the heirs of Captain Long, to the erection of the High 
School building in New Town. 

As this departure from the will was made, it was but 
just to the memory of Captain Long that the building 
should have been called the Henry Long High School. 

Captain Henry Long was brother to Captain John W. 
Long and David Long, and was the oldest of the three. 

When he died he was by his own request, buried in a 
pine coffin, by the side of his sister, Polly Henderson, in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church burying ground of New 
Town. 

The following inscription may be found upon the 
marble slab that covers his remains : 

" In memory of Henry Long, who was born the 27th 
of April, 1780, and died the 3rd day of January, 1855. 
Kind to the poor in his life, in death their wants were 
not forgotten." 

In 1855, John P. Hargis and William S. Dickinson 



66 History of Pocomoke City, 

commenced merchandising under the name of Hargis & 
Dickinson, at the corner of Market and Commerce steets. 
Previous to this, however, there was a firm by the name of 
Jones, Hearn & Co., which occupied the same stand, how 
long they did business I am not able to say. 

The store of Hargis & Dickinson was a first-class 
store, comprising dry goods and groceries, liquor excepted. 
This firm continued successfully until 1865, when by 
mutual consent, they dissolved partnership. 

John P. Hargis continued the business in his own 
name about six years and retired. 

William S. Dickinson again commenced mercantile 
life, forming a co-partnership with I. H. Merrill and F. H. 
Dryden, two enterprising young merchants, whe were 
already selling goods under the firm of Merrill & Dryden. 
This connection with Merrill & Dryden took place in 
1867. This firm was known as Dickinson, Merrill & 
Dryden, Mr. Dickinson being already in possession of the 
store house, at the corner of Market and Commerce Sts. 
The firm, having an opportunity of renting the store- 
rooms adjoining, previously occupied by A. S. Stevens 
and James S. Primrose, connected the three together, 
having three entrances on Market street and one on Com- 
merce street, and the buildings being so connected that 
customers could pass from one apartment of the store to 
the other without going out of doors. They arranged 
their stock in trade in three departments, occupying the 
central room for dry goods and notions, with groceries, 
hardware, &c., liquor excepted, on one side; and bootSv 



Formerly New Town. ^T 

shoes and gentlemen's furnishing goods on the other. This, 
firm did a heavy business from 1 867 to 1 874, when by mutual 
agreement they disolved partnership, each one taking a 
department and contmumg the business in the separate 
branches so as not to conflict with each others interests. In 
this division, William S. Dickinson the dry goods and 
notion department, I. H. Merrill the boot, shoe and gen- 
tlemen's furnishing department, F. H. Dryden the gro- 
cery and hardware department. Here were three stores. 
made out of one, each one doing a good business. 

In 1878, F. H. Dryden sold out his stock of goods to 
H. T. Stevenson and E. F. Gibbons, this firm continued 
business but a short time, when E. F. Gibbons sold out to- 
H. T. Stevenson, and Mr. Stevenson then took as a part- 
ner Dr. Sidney W. Handy, the firm now doing business 
under the name of Stevenson & Co. In the fall of 1881 
they added to the hardware and grocery department that 
of dry goods, boots and shoes, and are doing a thriving 
business. 

Stevenson & Co., are the first in Pocomoke City to 
introduce into their business house an elevator. 

At the commencement of 1881, Mr. I. H. Merrill took 
into partnership, with himself, two sprightly young men of 
this place, James P. Plain and William F. King, and the 
business of the house is now transacted by this company. 
William S. Dickinson has associated with the dry goods 
business, that of furniture also, and as I have given a brief 
history of Mr. Dickinson as a merchant, I feel it a pleasure^ 
to give a synopsis of his life, as I have known him from 



68 History of Pocomohe City^ 

his infancy. He was born the fifteenth day of March. 
1833. Forty years ago, or more, he was a member of the 
Sabbath School, in this place, and I often call up in 
memory the Sabbath School Exhibitions of those days, 
•and the speeches of those who were then children but now 
are the venerable fathers and mothers of the present day. 
Frequently in meeting Mr. Dickinson on the street and 
elsewhere, I think of him on the stage in delivering his 
speech, commencing with, "you will scarce expect one 
of my age, to speak in public on the stage, &c." 

He was always a good boy, thoughtful, studious and 
industrious. 

At the age of thirteen he entered the store of his 
cousin, Joseph Bratton, Esq., at Barren Creek Springs, 
then Somerset county, Md., as clerk. He remained in 
•this situation about fifteen months, when he returned to 
New Town. 

After returning home he went to school about one 
year, when he entered the store of Captain Henry Long, 
in 1848, as clerk. He remained in this situation until the 
•death of Captain Long, which event took place in 1855. 
It was found by the last will and testament of Captain 
Long that William S. Dickinson, in connection with his 
father, James T. Dickinson, were left executors of his 
•estate. 

This was no small amount of confidence which Cap- 
tain Long reposed in Mr. Dickinson, as the estate was a 
heavy one. 



Formerly New Town. 69* 

Integrity has marked his whole hfe, and if it were 
possible that one could be conscientious to a fault, I would 
say that of him. He is a ruling Elder in the Presbyterian 
Church in Pocomoke City. He has three children — two 
daughters and a son, who are an honor to his name, and 
adorn his home with bright sunshine, and are as precious 
gems around his table of plenty. 

' CHAPTER Vni. 

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

Upon the dissolution of partnership of Clarke & 
Clarvoe in 1852, William H. T . Clarvoe and James Merrill 
united in copartnership, under the firm of Clarvoe & 
Merrill, in the sale of goods, occupying the same stand 
that Clarke and Clarvoe occupied. 

This firm continued two years, when Mr. Merrill sold 
out to Mr. Clarvoe. 

Mr. Clarvoe conducted the business by himself until 
1858, when he sold out to William W. and James A. 
Melvin, acting under the firm of W. W. & J. A. Melvin. 

This firm transacted business for a while in the store- 
house formerly occupied by Mr. Clarvoe, after which they 
purchased the wharf and ground upon which they built 
the storehouse, which is at present occupied by Smullin 
& Brother. 

They did a heavy business from 1858 to 1866, when 
they sold out their stock in trade, together with their 
storehouse and wharf, to Stephen E. Mason. 

Stephen E. Mason conducted a heavy business from 



70 History of Pocomohe City, 

1866 to 1870, when he sold out his stock of goods to John 
W. Selby and JuHus J. SmuHin, two enterprising young 
men, who did business under the firm of Selby & Smul- 
lin until 1877, when Mr. Selby sold out his interest in the 
^store to Julius J. and Albert Smullin. Smullin & Brother 
keep on hand a general assortment of dry goods, grocer- 
ies, boots, shoes, hats, etc., and are doing a thriving 
business. 

These two young men are worthy of great praise for 
their business qualifications and fidelity, and it is said that 
they stand number one in business circles in the cities. 

In 1878, John W. Selby purchased the ground at the 
north-east corner of Market and Front streets and erected 
a large fine building for store and town hall purposes ; the 
^tore room is a spacious one, the upper room is used for 
town hall purposes. This is one of the finest store houses, 
and for such a purpose is an ornament to Pocomoke City. 
Mr. Selby has a well assorted and well arranged stock of 
dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, etc. 

In 1854, Benjamin F. Ulman commenced merchan- 
dising in New Town, and sold goods for some time, after 
which he moved to the City of Baltimore where he is still 
doing business, and report says he has a bank of his own 
and is worth $500,000. 

In 1862, Major T. and Jerome B. Hall commenced 
merchandising in New Town, at first dealing altogether in 
the hardware line ; after a while they branched out more 
at large in a general dry goods, grocery, boot and shoe 
house, under the firm of Hall & Bro. 



Formerly Nexo Town. 71 

In 1863, they added to their mercantile trade that of 
steam saw mill business; in 1868, that of ship building; 
and in 1872, the Marine railway business. In 1878 they 
took into copartnership L. Fuller Hall, son of Jerome B. 
Hall. The company now doing business under the firm 
of Hall, Bro. & Co. This firm with this heavy business 
resting upon them, employ sixty men annually, repair about 
seventy-five vessels annually, and have built during their 
buisness life, about twenty-five new vessels. Their annual 
business aggregating $30,000. 

They own two steam saw mills, a Marine Railway. 300 
acres of land and 2;^ houses and lots, some of the houses 

are fine buildings. 

In thus s^ivinof a brief outline of the business life of 
these two brothers it will, also, be of interest to the reader 
to learn something of their general history. 

In view of their success in life, this will be given with 
the greatest pleasure, for I knew them when they were 
little flaxy headed boys. 

Their father, Benjamin Hall, was a highly respected 
man, a carpenter by trade and a captain of militia ; he 
died when these gentlemen were little children, leal'^ing a 
widow and six children, without any assistance, to get 
their living as best they could. It is true the family lived 
on their own place, but that was very little more than a 
staying place, the little boys worked like little giants. I 
have seen them coming to town with a load of pine wood, 
which they had cut, when you would think they were 
scarcely large enough to come to town any way. 



72 History of Pocomoke City, 

Their mother, with the children, struggled against 
adversity until these two boys were old enough to go to 
a trade ; then they commenced to learn the blacksmith 
business with George W. Landing. They served an 
apprenticeship with Mr. Landing, and when he retired 
from the shop they took charge of it in their own name, 
and worked hard and continuously at the business until 
they entered mercantile life, as before stated. 

The reader, probably, is already thinking about their 
school advantages. They lived in the country and could 
only go to school, occasionally, in the winter time ; what 
little learning they got in this way was of very little 
advantage to them, as they experienced in the commence- 
ment of their mercantile life, in trying to use the pen and 
in calculating figures. They, however, learned to use the 
pen and calculate figures, and how to make money, also ; 
and their record shows the character of their intellect and 
business capacity. 

They are both members of the Baptist Church, in 
Pocomoke City ; Major T. Hall being a deacon. Their 
ages are, respectively, forty-eight and fifty-six years ; 
Major T. being the eldest. 

In 1856, C. C. Lloyd opened a drug store, which 
was the first ever established in New Town ; in addition 
to drugs he kept oils, paints, stationery, jewelry and 
variety store. 

He has, during his mercantile life, closely applied 
himself to business, always at his post, he is polite> 



Formeydy New Town. 73 

^obliging and accomodating, and has made money. He 
:has been sheriff of Worcester county. During i8Si, he 
united in partnership with Edgar Fontaine, who was also 
in the drug business, thus the two stores became one ; they 
^re now doing business under the firm of Lloyd and 
Fontaine, and are prospering. 

In 1S62, Dr. D. J. O. Truitt commenced the apothecary 
■and variety business, in New Town, and has conducted it 
successfully to the present. In 1862, Dr. Samuel S. 
Quinn and Albert S. Merrill commenced the drug busi- 
ness, and continued it until 1864, when they retired. In 
1866, Dr. John T. B. McMaster opened a drug store in 
co-partnership with Ashtdn Milbourn, which firm con- 
tinued until 1869, when Dr. McMaster sold out his interest 
in the store to Ashton Milbourn. 

In 1869, Ashton Milbourn and William T. Broughton 
united in the drug business and conducted it until 1873, 
at which time they sold out their stock in trade to Messrs. 
Fontaine and Turpin. This firm continued for two years, 
when Mr. Turpin sold out to Mr. Fontaine. From 1875 
to the present, or until Mr. Fontaine united in business 
with C. C. Lloyd, he has been quite attentive to business ; 
Jias built up a good trade, and has become a popular 
merchant. 

In i860, William W. Quinn & Brother opened a 
general dry goods and grocery store, which they con- 
ducted until 1873, when they closed out. In 1855, W. S. 
■C. Polk commenced merchandising in New Town, and 



74 History of Poconioke City, 

in 1S63 he took as a partner his brother, Emerson G.. 
Polk. This firm continued until 1866, when he sold out 
his interest in the store to his brother Emerson. 

From 1866 until the present Emerson G. Polk has con- 
ducted a dry goods, clothing, boot and shoe store of 
quite an extensive character, and keeps on hand a general 
assortment of first class cloths for gentlemen's wear : and 
none need fear in going to him for a good article and of 
getting what they want. He is polite, obliging and 
attentive to business. 

In 1868, Henry King commenced merchandising, in 
New Town, and conducted the business until 1875, when 
he closed out. 

In 1864, John W. Mezick commenced merchandizing^ 
in New Town, and continued until 1 866, when he retired 
from business, and removed to the State of Missouri. 

In 1863 or '64, the Messrs. Bachrachs were engaged in 
the sale of goods, in New Town, about one year, after 
which they settled in Baltimore, where they are still 
doing business, and have become wealthy. 

In 1864, Littleton T. Clarke, Thos. J. Blain and Thos.. 
N. Williams, formed a co-partnership in merchandising 
in New Town. They kept a first class dry goods and 
grocery store. They continued in the business unti^ 
1866, when they closed out. 

In 1867, Captain Robert Henry engaged in mercan- 
tile life in New Town. His store is a first class dry goods 
and grocery store. Captain Henry not only owns his. 



Formerly New Town. 75 

stock in trade, but three schooners, seven houses and 
several building lots and two farms. Some of the houses 
rank among the finest houses in the town. His 
entire property may be safely estimated at $30,000. In 
thus describing his w^ealth, the reader may be anxious to 
learn something of the man. 

Well, as I have known him from his infancy, it will give 
me pleasure to show him up as a wide-awake, sagacious 
business man. Let me say in the first place, however, 
that he is a man of color, and was raised to work. When 
but a boy he became a sailor, and was hand before the 
mast, and after he became his own man he laid up $1,400, 
the result of his hard labor on bo^rd of vessels. 

After this he joined Ashcraft & Risley in the vessel 
trade, and here w^as the mine of wealth which he struck. 
After some years this partnership dissolved, and since 
then he has operated by himself 

Captain Henry has no education. He can neither read 
nor write, but although he is without this necessary quali- 
fication, yet he studies men and business ; and there are 
but few more shrewd business men than Captain Henry. 
He has six children, and he is over 50 years of age. 

CHAPTER IX. 

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

In 1 85 1, Mrs. Araminta Hall commenced the millinery 
and ladies trimming business, wdiich she has conducted 



76 History of Pocomoke City, 

up to the present ; has been very successful in business, 
and has made money. 

In 1830, Mrs. EHza Merrill established the millinery 
and ladies trimming business, in New Town, and con- 
ducted the same for 35 years, and made money. 

In 1846, Miss Anna H. Henderson commenced the 
millinery and ladies trimming business, in New Town. 
In 1863, she married Mr. William T. Hearn, and after- 
wards her store was familiarly known as Mrs. Anna 
Hearn's store. She conducted the business successfully 
until 1863, in which year she died. 

In 1855, Miss Amereth J. Trader commenced the mil- 
linery, notion and ladies trimming business in New Town. 
About one year after this she married Mr. Littleton T. 
Clarke, after which her house of business was known as 
Mrs. Jane Clarke's store. 

In 1866 Mr. Clarke died. She continued the business, 
however, without intermission, and in 1871 she married 
Mr. Henry A. DeKay. After this her business com- 
menced increasing until it has assumed its present 
proportions as one of the finest millinery, notion and 
ladies trimming stores on the Eastern Shore. 

In 1849, Mrs. Julia Redden commenced the millinery 
business and conducted the same until 1861, when she 
closed out. 

In 1S64, Mrs. Ursula B. Henderson, commenced the 
millinery, notion and ladies trimming business, in New 
Town, and has continuously conducted the same until 



Formerlij Neio Town. 77 

the present. Mrs. Henderson is industrious and attentive 
to her businesss, enterprising and unyielding in her pur- 
pose to succeed. If these quaHfications are a true index 
to success, she is bound to win. 

She commenced business on fifty dollars and has 
increased to such an extent as to warrant the declaration 
that her house, for the beauty and tasteful arrangement 
of goods, together with its heavy stock in trade, will com- 
pare favorably with any house of like character in the 
cities. In 1866, Mrs. Ella Foster commenced the milli- 
nery business, and continued the same for about two 
years. In 1867, Miss Lizzie Clayville commenced the 
millinery business and conducted the same about two 
years and retired. 

In 1866, Mrs. Mary A. Tipton commenced the milli- 
nery business aud continued with slight intervals until 
1880, when she moved to Philadelphia. 

In 1876, Zadock J. Hall and his son, Charles S. Hall, 
commenced merchandising in Pocomoke City under the 
firm of C. S. Hall & Co, ; this partnership business lasted 
two years, when Zadok J. Hall sold out his interest in the 
store to Richard Hall another son of his. 

This firm is now doing business under the name of C. 
S. Hall & Brother, two enterprising young men, who 
without an accident will succeed. 

A word here in reference to Zadok J. Hall may be 
interesting to the reader: He is brother to Major T. Hall 
and Jerome B. Hall, who have already been noticed in 



78 History of Pocomohe City^ 

this history. He was subject to all the privations that 
marked their earlier years, and was reared under the 
most discouraging circumstances, without a friend who 
was able to take him by the hand and promote him, and 
without education ; yet by dint of perseverance, has made 
his mark in the world as well as his brothers. He has 
attained a competency and lives retired from the whirl of 
business life, taking' delight in the improvement and cul- 
tivation of his little farm. Mr. Hall is also a member of the 
Baptist Church, in Pocomoke City. He has four children, 
and he is fifty-two years old. 

In I878, Herbert H. King and William Sidney Dryden 
formed a partnership, under the title of H. H. King & Co., 
in a first-class dry goods and grocery store, in Pocomoke 
City. 

This firm is doing a safe business, enterprising and 
polite, they must win. 

Mr. Dryden, one of this firm, has been engaged in 
business nearly twenty years, in the City of Baltimore. 
He left his father's home, a young man, to seek his for- 
tune with no other help but his own native talent. After 
being engaged in business for some time in the city, he 
worked his way up to a clerkship as salsman, in one of 
the largest wholesale dry-good houses in the city, that of 
William Devries cS: Co. In this house he has been 
engaged without intermission for seventeen years, the last 
three of which have been partially devoted to the collec- 
tion of claims for tlu,' house. 



Jjormerly New Tovon. 79 

This trust, committed by the house to him, shows not 
■only their confidence in his integrity, but also their confi- 
dence in his tact and business ability in dealing with men. 
He has succeeded above many of his chance and has 
made money. 

About the year 1869, James W. Payne commenced 
merchandising, in New Town and continued in business 
until his death, which occurred in January, 1878. 

About 1866, Emerson Melvin commenced the sale of 
goods, in New Town ; he continued in the business with 
:great success until he died, which event took place in 
1879. His estate was worth $6,000 clear of debt. 

In the settlement of his estate, the inventory of his 
personal property w^as the largest that had ever been 
entered in the Registers office of Worcester County. He 
iirst commenced on fifty dollars capital. 

About the year 1865, William H. S. Merrill added 
•clothing and gents' furnishing goods to his stock of boots 
and shoes, he having engaged in the sale of boots and 
.shoes several years previous. He sold goods until 1871, 
when he sold out to Robinson & Matthews, who con- 
ducted the business for five or six years and then closed 
•out. 

In 1877, A. G. Marshall commenced merchandising, in 
Pocomoke City ; he conducted the business until the 
.spring of 1881, when he closed out. 

In 1870, Mrs. Sally Payne commenced the confectionery 
and candy business, in Pocomoke City, and continues the 
same to the present. 



so History of Pocomoke City^ 

In 1874, Ephraim A. Stevens commenced the notion 
and ladies' trimming business, in Pocomoke City ; he- 
continued until 1880, when he closed this business and 
engaged in a green grocery anci provision store. Some- 
time during the 3'ear, he took as a partner Roland E^ 
Bevans, and they carried on the business under the firm of 
Stevens & Bevans, this firm, however, did not continue 
long before Mr. Bevans drew out. Mr. Stevens continued' 
the business until 1882 and closed out. 

In 1856, Miss Charlotte and Miss Ann Truitt, two- 
sisters, were engaged in the confectionary aud notion' 
business, in New Town, when they commenced and how 
long they continued the business I cannot say. 

Between 1856 and i860, Mrs. Mary A. Smullin engaged 
in the confectionery business and continued the same until 
her death, which event occurred in April, 1881. 

About 1870, Mrs. Ellen Payne engaged in the confec- 
tionery business, and in about two years she sold out tc^ 
Mrs. Sally, Mason, who continued the business for several 
years. 

Sometime between 1872 and 1875, R. H. Pennewell^ 
Francis A. Stevenson and Allison Fleming engaged ia 
merchandising in a store house occupying the site now 
occupied by the store house of J. W. Selby. The house 
was burned down while Mr. Fleming was conducting 
business. 

in 1872, Edward S. Young commenced the tobacco^ 
cigar and C(jnfectionery business, in New Town, and con- 



Formerly New Tovm. 81 

ducted the same until 1878 ; prior to this, George S. 
Merrill, Alexander Ebberts and John Walters, respect- 
ively, were engaged in it. 

As Mr. Young is the oldest native citizen in the place he 
is entitled to a sketch of his life in its history : He was 
born in 1807 and consequently is now in the 75th year of 
his age. He, like many others, was raised a poor boy, and 
had to work out, at twelve and a half cents per day, to 
help his mother in supporting the family. When of 
sufficient age, he was apprenticed to Colonel William H. 
Merrill to learn the hatting business, after his maturity, he 
settled in this, his native place, and with but one slight 
interval has remained here to the present. He was 
engaged, for several years, in the steam milling business. 
He has been a member of the Methodist Protestant 
Church nearly fifty years, has been ardently devoted to^ 
and a liberal supporter of that Church, he has, probably, 
though always poor, contributed more to church building, 
in New Town in the past, than any other man in it. 

He has been the father of several children, all of whom 
are no more, except one son, and he lives in Colorado. 

Mr. Young reminds me of the ancient worthy patri- 
archs, leaning upon the top of his staff, and waiting for 
the summons to a brighter home above, and is entitled to 
the kindly greetings of all lovers of the aged and the 
good. 

In 1878, Capt. H. H. Husted entered into the tobacco, 
cigar, confectionery and fruit business, in which he is 



82 History of Pocomoke City, 

gaged at present. Capt. Husted is very attentive to 
business ; is very polite and obliging, and is quite suc- 
cessful in business. 

In 1878, John L. Quinn engaged in the sale of tobacco, 
cigars, confectionery and fruits, and continues the same 
with success. 

Mrs. Stubbins and Mrs. Whittington both have con- 
fectionery stores, and are prosperous inbusiness. In 1878^ 
Simpson Katzenberger merchandised in Pocomoke City 
about one year and then closed out. In 1877, Miss Ruth 
Stone commenced the notion business, in Pocomoke City, 
and continued it for about three years, when she removed 
to Connecticut, her native State. 

In 1879, Miss Virginia Wilkinson and Miss Virginia 
Matthews united in copartnership in the millinery, notion 
and ladies trimming business in Pocomoke City. Their 
house is called the Philadelphia branch store, and truly it 
is very apdy so-called, for it will compare favorably with 
the city in the taste exhibited in the selection of their 
goods, in the prices they charge, and in the style and 
neatness of their work. These young ladies rank among 
the finest milliners of the day, either in the city or 
country. 

In 1880, Miss Ruth Pollctt commenced the notion and 
ladies trimming business in Pocomoke City, and continued 
until 1 88 1, when she closed out. In 1880, J. J. PVancis 
Townsend and Ira T. Stevenson engaged in a dry goods 
and grocery store which they continue at the present. 
They are very worthy men. 



Formei'ly New Toicn. 83 

CHAPTER X. 

MERCANTILE ASPECT (CONTINUED). 

1868, Edward H. Clarke commenced the mercantile 
"business, in New Town. Since then he has been engaged 
nearly all the time in the sale of goods alone and with 
his father. 

As Mr. Clarke is quite a prominent man in business 
circles, he is entitled to a place in this history. He was 
born in 1845, and is the only surviving son of W. J. S. 
Clarke. He was appointed a midshipman at the naval 
academy in 1861. After remaining nearly two years and 
spending one summer at sea, he resigned, as we learned, 
much to the regret of the officers of the naval academy. 
Returning home he at once entered the service of his 
father as clerk, being there well drilled, and remaining in 
that capacity until 1868, when he married an amiable and 
accomplished young lady, the only daughter of William 
JVI. Coster, Esq., one of the most respected and wealthy 
gentlemen in Somerset county. He is a very popular 
man, and in point of business sagacity he is said to be 
■equal to any of his name. 

In 1866, Levin Atkinson commenced the sale of 
groceries in connection with the sale of leather, and con- 
tinued the same for ten years, or until he died, which 
event took place in 1877. 

Mr. Atkinson was quite a prominent man in the com- 
munity ; was retired in disposition, obliging, and a warm 



81 Ilistory of Pocomolce City, 

friend. He was a member of the Methodist Protestant 
Church, in New Town, for many years, and filled promi- 
nent positions as a layman in that church. From the 
commencement of his connection with the church to his 
death, he always kept an open house for the preachers of 
that denomination, and there was nothing too good to pro- 
vide and no labor to great to perform for those whom 
he and his devoted wife loved to entertain. 

In 1880, Henry Dryden and his son Clarence engaged 
in the sale of groceries, confectionery, etc., in connection 
with the sale of tin ware, Mr. H. Dryden having been 
engaged in selling tin ware previously. This firm continues 
and will no doubt be successful. 

In 1878, James H. Vincent commenced merchandising in 
Pocomoke City, and is growing in trade and popularity. 
We have several other stores in Pocomoke City, which 
may be called green grocery and provision stores, kept 
respectively by : A. H. Benson, Roland E. Bevans and 
John W. Selverthorn, John T. M. Sturgis and Thomas 
Melvin and J. A. D. Robinson. 

These are all reliable houses, where the substantial of 
life may be purchased. 

In presenting to the reader this concise history of the 
mercantile business of New Town, now Pocomoke City, I 
have aimed at facts, at giving a fair showing, and not 
throwing more gloss upon the men and trade than they 
really merited. I shall now close this part of my history 
by saying : we have, in Pocomoke City, some thirty 



Formerly New Town. 85 

business houses of all grades, selling goods, doing an 
annual business, aggregating over two hundred thousand 
dollars. 



86 Hist or }j of Pvcomoke (Jtty^ 



CHAPTER XL 

MANUFACTURING. 

Manufacture, in the early history of New town, was, as 
a matter of course, in its infancy. The first, probably, 
should be mentioned is the manufacture of clothing for 
the families. These goods consisted of woolen, cotton 
and linen. The wool was taken from the sheep's back 
and washed, thqn picked, carded, spun and woven into 
fustian, that is to say, the warp was of cotton, the filling in 
was of wool. Linsey-woolsey was also made for the 
mothers and daughters. 

This word linsey-woolsey comes up in memory as some- 
thing long since past away. 

I used to hear, when I was a little boy, these words 

sung : 

"Linsey-woolsey peticoats, 

Silk and cotton gown. 
Shoes and stockings in your bands, 
And feet upon the ground." 

The cotton was, as a general thing, culti\ated at home, 

that is to say every family had their cotton-patch if they 

had ground sufficient for that purpose, and when ripe was 

harvested, the seed picked, then carded, spun and woven. 

These were for underwear for both sexes, for sheets, and 

the beautiful white counterpanes that used to be made. 



Formerly New Town. 87 

The linen was wade out of flax. Every farmer had his 
flax patch. The flax when ripe was pulled up by the 
roots by hand, then placed in a creek, pond or water- 
hole if their was any convenient, if not, it v/as spread out 
on the ground to mildew, when sufficiently cured it was 
then housed. In the winter time the flax break was heard 
singing its day-long song, as the busy laborer would be 
plying the instrument. 

In this instrument the woody portion of the flax was 
separated from the fibrous. Thus the flax was prepared 
for the hackle, then after that it was spun and woven into 
what we used to call country made linen, and then made 
into underwear for both sexes, for toweling, table cloths, 
sheets, etc. Now the modus-operandi in clothing. The 
carding and spinning would be carried on day and night 
by the mothers and daughters. At night the father and 
brothers would unite around a roasting fire with a plenty 
of pine knots to make a light, and would engage in pick- 
ing the wool or cotton. During these seasons of night 
work they would roast sweet potatoes and have a pitcher 
of cider to cheer the tedious hours of labor. 

When the wool, cotton or flax was thus prepared for 
the loom, they would commence weaving. 

When I was a little boy I used to hear the loom going 
all day long. It did not make as sweet music as the piano, 
but went click, clack, click, clack, from morning until 
night. 

An anecdote which I ha\-e heard going the rounds 
many years ago may not be out of place here* A lady 



88 History of Pocomoke City, 

of independence in an adjoining community had an only 
(laughter. That daughter was visited by a young lady, 
\vho inquired of the mother where Miss So-and-So's 
piano was. She took the young lady to the loom house 
and pointing to the loom : "There," said she, is my 
daughter's piano." 

The mother and daughter made the clothes for the 
family. The young ladies were their own matitua makers 
and their mothers learned them to be good cooks also. 
They thought it was no disgrace to learn them to work'. 
The first families of the place would make machanics of 
their sohs/and to show that this" custom was considered 
'in the highest sense an honorable one, I need but cite 
those who were prominent' citizens of the t(nvn to demons- 
strate this' position. . • . 

' Michael Murray was a weaver of the World renowned 
■Irish linen in his native country, Ireland; Jesse Hender- 
son a shipcarpenter ; Rev. James Tilghman, a shoemaker; 
'Joshua Sturgis, a blacksmith; Capt. Jacob Riggin, a 
shipcarpenter; Capt. Benjamin' Hall, a carpenter; Gen- 
eral Ebeiiezcr Heard, a tanner and currier; Colonel 
'William H.merrill, a hatter , Jolni S. Stevenson, a watch- 
maker; Ceorge S. Redder, a hatter. I • might name 
^many others, but thb^e already named are sufficient. 
"• Is not thi^ a suggestive thought to parents of the 
present day, to give theirsons a trade instead of crowdtng 
them inlo prcjlV.ssions and clerkshij)s, in wliich there are 
but few, comparatively, who succeed, and to learn their 



Formerly New Town. 89 

■daughters to be good house keepers, and not to bring 
them up in such a way as that when they get married they 
'will be utterly ignorant how to make their husbands a 
suit of clothes or how to make and bake a johnny cake. 
An incident which occurred in the history of Stephen 
Girard, the millionaire, of Philadelphia, I will illustrate 
here. He had a youth who was to live with him until he 
was of age. This young man, by his steady habits, atten- 
tion to business and probity of character, had won, over 
all the other clerks, a place high up in the esteem of Mr. 
Girard. His twenty-first birthday came on. The day 
before that, however, he went into Mr. Girard's counting- 
room and informed him of the fact, when he was told to 
■come in the next day as he wanted to see him. It w^as 
conceded by all the clerks that Mr. Girard was going to do 
something handsome for that young man. The next day 
came, he went into the ofhce as requested ; they entered 
into conversation upon their connection together. Mr. 
Girard praised him for his faithfulness to his interests. 
**And now," said he, "y^^^ ^^'^ g^i"§' o'^t into the world to 
seek your fortune, I want to give you a piece of advice. 
Do you go and learn a trade ; there is the barrel cooper- 
ing, go and learn that! " ' The reader may imagine how 
the young man was. taken back. He, however, engaged 
with a barrel cooper to work with him for one year. At 
the end of the year, he made a barrel, which he took to Mr. 
Girard's office to show him. Mr. Girard pronounced it a 
;good job, and asked the price of it, which was three 



90 Illstmnj of Pocomoke City, 

dollars. He took the barrel, paid him the money for it% 
and requested him to come to the office the next day as 
he wished to see him. The day came ! he went into the 
office, when Mr. Girard said : "You may have thou^^ht it 
a very strange piece of advice which I gave you, to learn 
a trade ; but, if hereafter, you should fail in any business 
you engage in, then you have your trade to fall back on. 
Now, here is a check for $30,000 as a token of my high 
esteem and with my best wishes for your success in 
life." 

The different branches of mechanical business which 
were carried on in New Town in its early history were 
boot and shoe making, house and shipcarpentering, black- 
smithing, coopering, tanning and currying, hatting, etc. 
There was, generally, but one shop of each branch of 
business at a time. The first boot and shoemaker that I 
have any information of was Rev. James Tilghman ; 
Caleb Tilghman, then Samuel Long, Joseph Richards, 
Thomas Brittingham. James Lambdon, Jesse Long, 
Josiah Long, of Jesse, Zadok Mall, of John, Edward 
Murray, Francis Murray, James Sturgis, Tubman Moor, 
Samuel T. Landing and James Murray. Henry Murray, 
who was an office bearer in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, was also a delegate elect from Worcester county 
to the General Assembly of Maryland in 1862 and 1863. 
In 1866 he died suddenly, in hope of a blissful immortal- 
ity. William H. S. Merrill, Thomas J. Blain, who is also 
a leading office bearer in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and has four sons — all grown men — who are an honor to 



Formerly New Toion. 91 

him. John Silverlhom, Rev. George Covington, Charles 
Covington, Levin Covington, John Richards, Sr., George 

Matthews, Case, William Matthews and William 

Clogg. No doubt there are others whose names have 
escaped my memory, or who were here but a short time. 
These, excepting the few last names mentioned, have all 
passed away. 

The tailoring business was carried on at an early date. 
Josiah Long, my wife's father, was a tailor. He served 
his apprenticeship with his uncle, David Long, Sr., who 
w^as the father of Captain Henry Long, Captain John W. 
Long and David Long. Mr. Long worked at the tailor- 
ing business until he died, which event occurred about 
1813. Then in succession Benjamin Cottman, a man by 
the name of Smith, William Purnell, Joseph Benson, John 
H. Powell, William Atkinson, William Fisher, Theo. Hall, 
William S. C. Polk, Emerson G. Polk, James Wfells, 
McCayland, Edward Ardis and W. F. Jones. Emerson 
G. Polk, W. F. Jones and Edward Ardis are the present 
tailors of the place. 

CHAPTER Xn. 

TRADES, &c. 

The house and ship-carpentering has been represented 
by the following named persons : House carpenters were 
William Beauchamp, William Wheeler, Capt. Benjamin 
Hall, Henry Beauchamp, Wrixham Burnett, William 



92 Ilistory of Pocomoke City^ * 

McMaster, James Benson, Henry Coston, Jesse L. Long, 
William H. C. Long, Littleton Duer, Edgar Duer, Francis 
Duer, Ralph Ross, John Richards, Jun., Thomas Davis, 
John Merrill, John Bevans, James Broughton, Edward 
Davis, Edward Merrill, Edward Ross. Shipcarpenters 
were Jesse Henderson, Jacob Riggin, John Carsley, Peter 
Carsley, Frank Whittington, E. James Tull, Henry Tapt- 
man, Wm. Smith, Samuel Richardson, Silvanus Maddux, 
James McDaniel, Edward Mills, Thomas Thorington, 
William H. McDaniel, Jesse Taptman, William Lankford, 
Alfred Lankford, Christopher Schillinger, William Bonne- 
well, Alfred Herbert, Alfred Mills, Thomas Jones, John 
J. Dickinson, Charles Williams, John E. Tull, Joseph L. 
Hitch, Hargis Hayman, Curtis Tull, James Ford, Thomas 
Sears, Wm. R. Jones, James Bonnewell, Edward Townsend, 
Tobe Bonnewell, John Crammer, Albert Henderson, Silas 
Ellis, William H. Matthews, Harry Whittington, William 
Cathel, Noah Dutton, Levin Dutton, John J. Deputy, 
Samuel Gibbons, John O. Fitzgerald, Capt. John Fitz- 
gerald, Jesse Crockett, Charles Crockett, John Foster, Jr., 
John Foster, Sr., Julius Henderson, Caleb Dickinson, 
Walter Hughes and Frank Jones. 

In connection with ship-carpentering we have the follow- 
ing caulkers: James H. Gardner, Isaac Fisher, Henry 
Henson, Grant Long, William Sturgis and John Somcrfield. 

The blacksmith business has been represented by the 
following named persons : Joshua Sturgis, Ephraim Town- 
send, Matthias N. Lindsey, George W. Landing, Major 
T. and Jerome B. Hall, George Hall, William and John 



Formerly New 1 own. . 93 

Paradee, Lycurgus Stevenson, Wilmer Mills, Rufus Ste- 
venson, John Foley, the Messrs. Hayman, Isaac Dennis, 
John G. Angelo, Alexander Harris and William Banks. 

As the idea of improvement is one object in this 
history, I desire to call attention to one name, and that is 
George W. Landing. 

He was raised but a few miles from this place on a 
farm. At a suitable age he was apprenticed to a man in 
Berlin, Worcester County, to learn the blacksmith business. 
After serving his apprenticeship he came to New Town 
and established himself in business. It was not long 
before he invented a new plow, this plow was an iron 
raouldboard and point all made in one piece, when the 
point wore out he would weld to it another ; previous to 
this the plows had wooden mould boards with an iron 
point fastened to them. In the invention of this plow, 
Mr. Landing attained great celebrity as a blacksmith. He 
worked hard and had a constitution to stand it ; made 
money and took care of it. He, however, became an 
aspirant for political fame, retired from the blacksmith 
shop, and was so successful in his aspirations, that he 
could be elected to the legislature over almost any candi- 
date that might oppose him. In his political career he 
went by the name of the Old Blacksmith. He has, 
however, retired in a great measure from politics and 
business life, having possessed himself of considerable 
property, and is nearing the sixty-fifth year of his age. 

The coopering business, in the earHer history of New 



94 History of Pocomoke City, 

Town, was carried on very extensively, it was, however, 
confined exclusively to making tubs and buckets ; there 
were six pieces, fiitting in each other, from the cooler to 
the wash tub, which was called a nest of ware. Men 
became so expert in its manufacture, that they have made 
as high as eight nests a day. The nest of ware, when 
bound with iron hoops, would sell for one dollar and 
twenty-five cents ; when bound with wooden hoops, for 
fifty cents. The manufacture of this ware, as late as 1845 
became so extensive, that the ware received the appella- 
tion of New Town currency. 

Since 1845, the business has dwindled so, that to-day, it 
is becoming obsolete, there being only two or three per- 
sons in the place who make a few buckets and do some 
repairing. 

About 1 8 15, Rev. James Tilghman and General Ebenezer 
Hearn commenced the tanning business, in New Town. 
After Mr. Tilghman died, which event occurred in 18 16, 
General Hearn carried the business on in his own name, 
until Gibson Cannon, a relative of his, who had served an 
apprenticeship with him, became of age, when he took 
him in as a partner. Mr. Cannon did not, however, con- 
tinue in the business but a few years before he withdrew 
on account of feeble health. When another apprentice of 
General Hearn's, John S. Mills became of age, he then 
was taken as a partner by General Hearn. This firm 
continued until Mr. Mills died, whic'.i event took place 
about the year 1844. General Hearn still continued the 
business, but now, in his own name again, until 1851 or 2, 



Formerly New Toum. 95 

when he sold out to John W. Ouinn. Mr. Quinn con- 
ducted the business until 1854 or 55, when he closed out. 

In 1861, Levin Atkinson and George Hargis estab- 
lished themselves in the business, which firm continued but 
a few years, when Mr. Hargis sold out to Mr. Atkinson- 

Mr. Atkinson conducted the business until a short time 
before he died, which event transpired in October, 1877. 
Since that time the tanning and currying trade, as a sepa- 
rate branch of manufacturing has ceased to be carried on 
in Pocomoke City. All who have carried on the tanning 
and currying business in New Town, without an excep- 
tion, have passed away. 

A tribute to the practical mechanics, engaged in the 
tanning and currying trade, in New Town, is in place just 
here. General Ebenezer Hearn was born in Sussex 
County, Delaware, March the 7th, 1792. Mr. Hearn 
served an apprenticeship in Delaware. After he was of 
age, he went to Modest Town, Accomac County, Va., and 
worked journey work for Mr Lippincott of that place. He 
did not however, continue long in Modest Town before 
he came to New Town and engaged, as above stated, in 
the business with Rev. James Tilghman. Some years 
after this he married the oldest daughter of Dr. Steven- 
son. He soon began to be prosperous in his business- 
In the course of time he purchased a tract of land called 
Cowley, but more fvmiliary known as Old Winter Quar- 
ter. This tract of land he purchased of Mr. John Stevens, 
a regular descendant of Col. William Stevens, of colonial 
fame. As Old Winter Quarter has been a place of 



96 History of Pocomoke City^ 

renown, the reader may be anxious to know something 
more about it. It adjoins Pocomoke City; in fact, the 
dwelhng and principal part of the farm is within the 
corporation of the town. When General Hearn pur- 
chased it, it was a perfect wilderness; was interspersed 
with branches, sand hills, mud and swamp, where the 
yew pawns and prickly pears grew, and where it is 
said, bears were numerous, and old Blue Beard lived. 
These were terrible scarecrows to the boys when they 
would go into Winter Ouarter yew pawning. Many a farce 
has been played upon strangers in getting them to dig in 
the sand hills of Winter Ouarter for Blue Beard's money » 
which, it has been said, that he buried there. 

Here Mr. Hearn built his house, which yet remains a 
fine one. Probably, about this time, he was chosen 
captain of militia. ?Ie now was called Captain Hearn; 
subsequently he was placed upon the Governor's Staff, as 
one ot his aids, with the title of Colonel, he now was 
called by that title, and later again he received the title of 
General, since which time, he was called General Hearn to 
the day of his death. 

General Hearn was a man of pleasure, he was fond of 
fox hunting and a game of chess; he also became a great 
politician, of the Whig party, and has been elected to 
the legislature of Maryland oftencr, probably, than any 
other mm in Worcester County, in his day. He was kind 
and genial, calm and e\ en in his disposition, and never in 
a hurrv, and was very po[)ular. He was independent in 
h!s circumslanrcs, and when he died he left a handsome 



Formerly New Tovm. 97 

estate to his children. He died January 13th, 1854, in 
the 62nd year of his age, honored and respected by all 
who knew him, and was buried in the family burymg 
ground, in Winter Quarter. 

Gibson Cannon was born in Sussex County, in the State 
of Delaware. During his partnership with General 
Hearn, he married Miss Elizabeth Sturgis, in 1832. His 
health, as before stated, was so feeble as to compel a 
change ; consequently he went to merchandising at Cot- 
tingham's Ferry ; here he continued for three or four 
years, when in 1839, July the 3rd, he died, being, at the 
time of his death, in the 34th year of his age. He was 
buried in the Protestant Episcopal Church burying 
ground, of Pocomoke' City. Mr. Cannon left a widow 
and two children, who are still living ; his widow and 
daughter are living in this place ; his son, Clayton, 
is living in the City of Baltimore. 

As Mr. Cannon is a native of this place, it gives me 
pleasure to state that he is an enterprising business man 
of the monumental city. At the age of fifteen years he 
entered the store of Colonel William H. Merrill as clerk 
and continued one year, then he went to Baltimore and 
engaged with Gibson & Co., auctioners, at the age of six- 
teen, here he continued one year. At the age of seven- 
teen, he entered the wholesale dry goods house of Lewis, 
Drost & Co. How long he continued in this situation I 
cannot say, but from there he entered a savings bank, 
then in the course of time, he procured a situation in one 



9S History of Pocomohe City^ 

of the National Banks of the City, then again, he accepted 
a situation as cashier, in a bank in AnnapoHs. From 
there he returned to Baltimore and entered the Trader's 
National Bank as cashier, which situation he still holds. 
Clayton Cannon had to make his own mark. I need not 
tell the reader how well he has done it. He now ranks 
well with the banking business men of Baltimore, with an 
unspotted character, at the age of forty- six years. 

After Gibson Cannon retired from the tanning and 
currying business, General Hearn took John S. Mills, who 
had just finished his apprenticeship, as a partner in the 
business. Mr. Mills continued in this firm until he died. 
He died quite a young man, and left a widow, and one 
child by his first wife : that child is the Rev. Joseph L. 
Mills, D. D., of the Methodist Protestant Church. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

TRADES. &c. 

The Hatting business held a very important place in 
manufacture. Hats, at an early day, were made of all 
the various grades of fur, from the rabbit to the beaver. 
The first hatter, of whom we ha\'e any information, carry- 
ing on the business in New Town, was John Hall, after he 
died, then Andrew Gilchrist, then in succession, James Hall 
carried on until he died. These all died young men. An- 
drew Gilchrist was a Scotchman and was full of playful fun. 



J^ormerly New Town,. 99 

About 1827, Colonel William H. Merrill commenced 
manufacturing hats, he carried on extensively. 

After Colonel Merrill retired from the business then 
Francis Mezick engaged in it, and took as a partner, 
Carey C. Sears, they introduced the manufacture of the 
silk hat in New Town ; after continuing together some- 
time they dissolved partnership and each one carried the 
business on separately. 

I should have stated that during the time of Colonel 
Merrill's being engaged in the hatting business, George S- 
Redden also carried it on in New Town. After Mezick & 
Sears retired, then Henry Brewington engaged in it for 
some time. Since he ceased to carry the business on, it 
has become extinct in New Town, now Pocomoke City. 

The carriage-making business was carried on in New 
Town at an early date, though in a small way. Milby 
Cottingham was the first of whom we have any knowledge 
to engage in it. He made some few carriages, but his 
work was mostly repairing. I remember a little coach 
which he made, after the regular style of coaches, for his 
little child, and to this day, taking into consideration the 
then surrounding associations of my litde boyhood life, 
it is in my memory still, one of the prettiest litde carriages 

that I ever saw. 

How long Mr. Cottingham carried the business on I 
cannot say. After he moved away there was no carriage- 
maker in New Town, until Rev. Wm. Quinn established 
it in 1836. He did not, however, follow it long before he 
he sold out to Meridith & Spearman, who continued it 



100 History of Pocomoke Clty^ \ 

but a short time ; then Jesse Hopkins followed it in suc- 
cession, then Hughes & Redden ;^ afterwards they 
dissolved, and since then they carry on the business sepa- 
rately ; William E. Crisp and Thomas Evans, then 
Broughton <S: Cliff were also engaged in the business ; 
then J. Thaddeus Toad vine manufactured extensively, 
then followed Tatum, Gordy and Lankford. We now 
have three carriage factories in Pocomoke City and one 
carriage bazaar, kept by William T. Bullen. 

The watch and clock repairing business was not fol- 
lowed by any one in New Town until about 1S65, when a 
Frenchman, by the name of Montandon, came to New 
Town and commenced to follow it, and remained here 
two or three years. He was followed by a German by 
the name of Harr, who carried on the business for about 
two years. Air. Harr was followed by Mr. Geo. Sar- 
torius. We now have Mr. William Sartorius as the 
representave of this branch of mechanical trade, estab- 
lished in Pocomoke City, who may always be lound at his 
place of business. 

The cabinet, wheelwright and undertaking business has 
been followed in New Town from time immemorial, 
thcjugh not so extensively carried on in the early history 
of the place. The cabinet business embraced the making 
of bedsteads, tables, chairs, corner cupboards, cloak cases, 
etc. The wheelwright business comprised the wagon and 
cart wheel, together with the spinning wheel manufacture. 

The si)inning whoel occupied as useful a place in the 



Formerly New Tovm. 101 

family in its day as the sewing machine does now. Coffin 
making has ahvavs been in vogue. Coffins, in the early 
history of New Town were generally made of pine boards, 
painted black and not lined. When the undertaker 
attended a burial, if the corpse was to be carried any 
distance, it w^as placed on the running gear of a carriage 
or in a cart and carried to the place of interment ; but if the 
distance was short, it was carried by hand. Before the 
corpse was put in the coffin a linen sheet was placed in it, 
and then the corpse was laid on the sheet in the coffin and 
wrapped up. The lid of the coffin was always flat. When 
at the grave the coffin would be placed on chairs during 
the preliminaries for burial. There were no cases then. 
The coffin w^as put dow^n in the ground and boards laid 
over it and then covered up, and generally a stone was 
put at the head and foot of the grave. Burials w^ere not 
so expensive in the early history of New Town as at the 
present day. The coffins cost about $5. The shroud 
was simply a slip made of muslin. This old mode of 
burial with the winding sheet brings to mind the songs of 
warning that used to be sung in revival meetings : 

Young people, all attention give, 

While I address you in God's name ; 
You, who in sin and folly live, 

Come hear the counsel of a friend. 
Your sparkling eyes and blooming cheeks 

Shall wither like the morning rose; 
The coffin, grave and winding sheet 

Will soon your active limbs enclose. 



102 History of Pocomoke City, 

About 1S25, James T. Dickinson moved to New Town 
and commenced the cabinet, wheelwright and undertaker's 
business. He made quite an improvement in the whole 
line of coffins and burial of the dead. Gum and walnut 
took the place of pine coffins. They were padded and 
beautifully lined. The coffins at first were carried by 
ropes ; he introduced handles, such as are used at the 
present day, then the bier, case to the coffin, and hearse. 
Perhaps a brief sketch of Mr. Dickinson's life will be 
interesting to the reader. He was born in 1803 near New 
Town. His parents were James and Nancy Dickinson, 
both worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in New Town until their death. Mr. Dickinson was 
apprenticed to Handy Mills to learn the aforesaid busi- 
ness. After he became of age he married Miss Nancy 
Burnett, daughter of James Burnett, Sr., and mo\'ed to 
New Town, where he spent the remainder of his days. 
He was thrice married, and was the father of fi\'e sons by 
his first wife and one daughter by his second wife, only 
two of whom survive him. By industry and economy he 
provided amply for his family and the education of his 
children, and at the same time accumulated considerable 
property. He was a man of strict integrity and of a kind 
and genial nature. He was modest and retired and never 
sought preferment, and was esteemed and respected by 
the entire community. He was a member and ruling 
Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and was often selected 
to represent her in the church courts. He died in 1866, 



Formerly New Town. 103 

aged 63 years. His remains rests in the Presbyterian 
Cemetery of Pocomoke City. Mr. Dickinson attained to 
this distinction by adhering strictly to the secret of suc- 
cess, which is ; he attended to his own business and did not 
meddle with the business of others. "A good name is to 
be preferred before great riches." 

The cabinet and undertakers business is at present car- 
ried on by Jacob E. James, G. and Francis A. Stevenson, 
three brothers, doing business under the firmot Stevenson 
Bros. They are also, in connection v/ith their trade, 
engaged in the Furniture and Sewing Machine business. 

The Wheelwright business is carried on at present, by 
Abraham Cranmer and S. W. Farlow. 

The Baking business was carried on quite extensively 
in the early history of New Town. Mrs. Margaret Young 
whom we called Aunt Peggy, and an old colored woman, 
whom we called Aunt Mareer, were the cake bakers in 
New Town sixty -five years age. 

After Aunt Peggy died, her daughter Sally Evans car- 
ried on the business. Old Aunt Mareer and Aunt Sally 
seemed to vie with each other in baking cakes, and I 
doubt whether nicer cakes, in their line, were ever baked. 
About 1825, Aunt Sally, for so she used to be called, got 
married to Agur Lewis Jones. During that or the next 
year they purchased the hotel property, belonging to 
Captain John Merchant, and commenced Hotel Keeping. 
From that day it went by the name of the Sally Jones' 
Hotel. They kept a good table at moderate charges. 
Aunt Sally had a reputation of renown, as the great cake 



lOri Ilutory of Pocomoke City^ 

baker, both in Somerset and Worcester Counties, Md., 
and in Accomac County, Va. She and Lewis kept their 
horse and wagon, and would attend all the General Musters 
in the counties aforesaid, well loaded with superior cakes 
of different kinds, and \\ould also attend the camp- 
meetings, elections, vendues, holiday festivals, etc. They 
would return home, not so heavily laden with cakes, yet 
with their equivalent in hard cash. Aunt Sally and Lewis 
became wealthy, but no one knew it. She survived her 
husband several years. After his death she was so afraid 
of being robbed that she would borrow money to pay her 
taxes. She died without children, and left her property 
to her many relatives ; and to the Protestant Episcopal, 
Methodist Episcopal and Protestant Methodist Churches. 
She left a large share of it to Miss Rosa Young, for she 
helped to make it. After Miss Rosa came in posession of 
the property, she got married to Peter Corbin. She is 
now a widow, and li\cs in the neighborhood of Davis's 
cross roads, at the advanced age of ninety years. When 
Sally Jones died, she left Moses Stevenson her executor. 
Upon making an inventory of her property, it was dis- 
covered that she had, in hard cash, $6,000. She was 
buried in the Protestant P^piscopal Church Burying 
Ground, in this place, at the probable age of eighty years. 
The Baking Business has been carried on quite exten- 
sively during late years ; being unable to ascertain the 
dates I can only name the persons who have been engaged 
in carrying on a bakery. The first was John Knapp, then 



Formerly J^ew Town. 105 

William S. Matthews and a man by the name of Marmon> 
-then a man by the name of Hopkins, then Philip and 
Frank Fletcher, who were followed by F. H. Dryden and 
John J. Jones, who employed a man by the name of Dietz, 
then Stephen J. Blades. The business is carried on at 
'present by Mrs. K. Stiibbins and Mrs. P. Whittington, 
in connection with the sale of confectionery. The manu- 
facture of brick in New Town was first introduced by 
John W. Quinn several years ago. It is now carried on 
in connection with the lime kiln business by Messrs. H. 
A. DeKay and W. J. S. Clarke, under the name of 
DeKay & Co., doing an annual business aggregating $8,000. 

There is one more feature of manufacturing which I 
^wish to mention as commanding probably the first place 
in magnitude, that is the manufacture of phosphate for 
manure. This business has been carried on by Messrs. 
'Freeman, Lloyd, Mason and Dryden, who have now 
^established a factory near the City of Norfolk, Va. These 
gentlemen are all business men — men of push — and have 
a reputation to back them up in their heavy business, and 
must succeed. 

In summing up the manufacturing business of Pocomoke 
City, I will say that we have six or seven boot and shoe 
shops, three tailor shops, seven or eight house-carpenter 
shops, ten blacksmith shops, three carriage shops, and one 
■carriage bazaar, two cooper shops, one undertaker shop 
and one phosphate factory, all aggregating a business 
.annually of probably $170,000. 



106 Historij of Pocomoke City^ 

CHAPTER XIV. 

SHIPPING INTERESTS. 

> 

The shipping trade was quite an extensive business im 
the early history of New Town, though it was mostly on 
the coast and to the West Indies. There were as many 
vessels then, probably, as there are now sailing from Nev\r 
Town, but of a different character. They were generally 
of smaller capacity, were sharp built, holding a draft of 
seven or eight feet of water, and were commanded by 
captain and mate, and a regular crew before the mast. 

These vessels would carry white oak, barrel and hogs- 
head staves to the West Indies, which were sold for 
remunerative prices, and on their homeward voyage 
would bring molasses, sugar, coffee. West India rum, 
tropical fruits and hard cash. 

The Bay trade consisted of pine plank, sawed by [hand 
with the whipsaw, sta\'cs and laths which were ri\en, 
cypress shingles, coopers' ware and what corn could be 
spared from home consumption, flaxseed, dried fruit, 
feathers, rags, etc. 

We have now eight large vessels sailing from Pocomoke 
City which are engaged exclusively in the bay trade. One. 
and sometimes two steamboats plying between here and 



FoTmerly New Town. 107 

the city and the railroad running daily to all parts north, 
by which facilities we have daily access to all the cities, 
doing an annual shipping business aggregating probably 
the round sum of $500,000. It will, no doubt, be of 
interest to the reader to see the names of those who were 
probably their fathers and brothers, and who chose the life 
of a sailor, recorded here. 

I record from memory the following names of those who 
were captains sailing from this place from 1820 to 1882 
inclusive : Captains John W. Long, Fleet Shelton, Harry 
Long, John Sturgis, James Riggin, Hezekiah Dorman, 
Jacob Riggin, Parker Copes, Harry Burch, Herod Scott, 
William H. Veasey, Samuel Fields, Steven Purnell, York 
Baily, James H. Young, Thomas N. Williams, Robert 
Henry, Isaac N. Veasey, William F. Veasey, Littleton N. 
B, Long, Elijah Taylor, L. Thomas Williams, James T. 
Young, John H. Clark, Thomas J. Veasey, Thomas Brit- 
tingham and George Bailey, and no doubt there were 
others whose names have escaped my memory. Some of 
these were regular Tars, while others were engaged in the 
bay trade. As I have already given a sketch of the history 
of several of those I have named, there is one other man, 
a sketch of whose history I desire to record, and that is 
Captain Littleton N. B. Long who, when but a boy, left 
his father's house, and this his native place, and went to 
the City of Baltimore, and from there he engaged in a 
seafaring life. Friendless and penniless, with nothing to 
depend on but his native talent and energy with which to 



108 History of Pocomohe City, 

make his mark. The sequel shows how well he did it. 
Whether he engaged as cabin boy or not on board the 
ship or brig I am not able to say, but one thing I can 
say, he had a bright intellect and was ambitious to make a 
man of himself. Obedient and industrious, he soon won 
the sympathy and favor of the officers, and as circum- 
stances would permit, with their instructions, he studied 
navigation. 

While a young man he took command of a ship ; in a 
short time after this he became owner or part owner of a 
ship and continued in this relation for several years. He 
finally retired from a seafaring life and purchased a farm 
in Talbot County, Md., where he is living in independ- 
ence and comfort, at the probable age of 55 years. 

All honor to the New Town boys who thus make men 
of themselves. 

CHAPTER XV. 

EASTERN SHORE STEAMBOAT CO. 

The Eastern Shore Steamboat Company of Baltimore 
being a very important factor in the commercial life of 
Pocomoke City, it is but simple justice that a record of 
its doings should have a prominent place in this History; 

The Eastern Shore Steamboat Company of Baltimore 
was incorporated September 16, 1869. The incorporators 
were Samuel Harlan, Jr., John T. Cause and Nathaniel 
R. Benson, of Wilmington, Del., Philip R. Clark, of 



Formerly New Town. 109 

Baltimore, George R. Dennis and John W. Crisfield, of 
Somerset County, Md., and W. J. S. Clarke, of Worcester 

County, Md. 

The capital stock ot the Company at its organization 
amounted to $160,000, with two steamers. At the present 
period, 1S82, the company owns three steamers, which 
are running to the Eastern Shore, so that daily communi- 
cation from the peninsula is had by one or other of its 
steamers with the City of Baltimore. The Company has 
now in course of building a much larger steamer, which is 
to be named the Eastern Shore. 

The Officers of the Company are : Samuel Harlan, Jr., 
President; J. T. Cause, Vice-President; N. R. Benson, J. 
Upshur Dennis, John W. Crisfield, W. J. S. Clarke and P. 
R. Clark, Directors; W. Thomson, Superintendent; P. 
R. Clark^ General Agent. 

The names of the Steamers are, respectively : Steamer 
Tangier, Captain S. H. Wilson ; Steamer Helen, Captain 
L. J. Smith ; Steamer Maggie, Captain George A. 
Raynor. 

These steamers are superseding, in a great measure, the 
sail vessels in carrying the produce of the Eastern Shore 
to Baltimore. While they have first-class accommodation 
for passengers in their saloons, state-rooms and cabins, 
and the viands upon their tables are selected from the 
best city markets. 

The writer having traveled on all of these steamers can 
say that the officers are polite and obliging, and passengers 
may be sure of being treated as ladies and gentlemen. 



110 History of Pocomoke City^ 

Our youthful readers cannot realize the advantages of 
steamboat travel to the same extent that some of us can, 
whose memory goes back to the time when there was no 
steamboat plying between Pocomoke City and Baltimore, 
and when it would require, at certain seasons of the year, 
two weeks or more for a sail vessel to make a trip from 
Pocomoke City to Baltimore and return. 

Whereas with the present facilities of travel the trip can 
be made in thirty-nine hours, and gives you eleven hours 
of that time to attend to business in the city. With these 
facts before us we can see clearly that progress is march- 
ing onward. 



Formerly New Town. Ill 



CHAPTER XVI. 

SHIP BUILDING, &c. 

The shipbuilding, steam milling and marine railway 
'business is carried on quite extensively in Pocomoke City. 
'Shipbuilding has been carried on in New Town from time 
immemorial, but the steam milling and marine railway 
business is of more recent date. 

The first steam mill ever erected in New Town was by 
a man by the name of Hutchinson in 1839. This mill was 
'employed at first to make s.hingles, but afterwards turned 
into a saw mill. 

It was severally owned by Hutchinson, Dr. Geo. S. D. 
■ Shipley, Ricaud, then E. S. Young and Geo. Blades, 
under the firm of Young & Blades, then E. S. Young and 
and James H. Young, under the firm of Young & Brother, 
then Capt. James T. Young by himself, who carried on 
rthe business until 1866, when he sold out to Polk & Powell. 
They conducted the business about ten years, w^hen they 
-sold out to James T. Young and Lewis W. Young, doing 
•business under the firm of Young & Brother. Finally 
James T. Young bought out his brother Lewis, and is now 
conducting the business by himself 

I have been thus explicit ii: running out the history 



112 History of Poconir)ke Cliij^ 

of th's mill simply because it was the first ever established. 
in New Town. 

But the year 1544 was marked as the beginning of a 
series of successes unprecedented in the history of 'New 
Town. The circumstances which brought them about 
were as follows: During that year Ezra B. Risley hap- 
pened to be in a certain port in the State of New Jersey, 
when a vessel loaded with cypress fencerails arrived. He 
saw the rails and encjuired where they were from, etc. 
The cargo of rails belonged to Jas. Daugherty and Le\in 
P. Rowland. In this case, like thousands of others, the 
door of wealth was opened by the merest accident, and. 
the old adge holds good, "one sows and another reaps." 
In as short a time as possible alter this two strangers were: 
seen in New Town ; no one knew who they were or what 
was their business. They prospected awhile in the cypress 
swamps, made some purchases and went away. The 
strangers proved to be John Ashcraft and Ezra B. Risley. 
During the next year, 1845, they established a large steam 
saw mill at Harry Henderson's landing, the place now* 
owned by Littleton Waters. Here they commenced 
operations. They brought down Jersey wood choppers and 
employed our own men also. Like an electric shock, 
they aroused the citizens of New Town and the entire 
surrounding country to the idea of business which has. 
never died out. They infused a spirit of industry and 
enterpM-ise in all, from the day laborer to the merchant 
behind the counter and the fuiner at the plow. They 



Formerly New T(yum. 113 

raised the price of labor, paid their employees the money 
for their work, and produced an endre revolution in busi- 
ness life. 

They engaged in ship building also, and built some 
large sea vessels. They purchased all the cypress swamps 
below New Town, and sent to market all their timber and 
lumber in their own vessels, which they built. They 
operated about twenty years, made about $i5o;ooo and 
retired. 

With them originated, in a great measure, if not entirely, 
the practical idea of the steam mill business in this sec- 
tion of country. 

In 1854, JohnW. Quinn, Jas. Murray and John Ashcraft 
established a^ steam saw mill in New Town. In 1855, 
Murray sold out his interest in the mill to Nicholas N. 
Bosley ; the mill now being run by the firm of Quinn, 
Bosley and Ashcraft. This firm continued two years, when 
they sold out to Thomas W. Hargis and Ambrose Dixon, 
doing business under the firm of Hargis & Dixon. They 
continued two years and then sold out to Captain H. H. 
Husted. Captain Husted conducted the business three 
years, when in 1862 he sold out to Captain James H. 
Young ; Captain Young, having already a fine mill, bought 
this mill of Captain Husted to get it out of his way. 

As history is always repeating itself I wish to present to 
the reader a case illustrative of the fact, in which we have 
an example of one, who, from the poorest walks of life 
has attained, by hard work and good management to the 
position of wealth and independence. 



ll-t History of Pocomoke City^ 

I allude to Captain James H. Youiii^, who, I am sure 
will not take exceptions to this statement, for he takes a 
pride in the knowledge of the fact that he has made his 
mark in the world. While he seems to say to the youth 
of the present day, by his independent step as he walks 
the streets ; boys go work as I have done and take care of 
your labor, and when you get old you \\\\\ have something- 
to lean upon. 

Captain Young's father died quite a young man, and 
left a widow and three children to support themselves as 
best they could. It is true they had a little home but it 
was merely a staying place. 

The mother and elder son Edward would work at any- 
thing they could get to do. She at the spinning wheel, 
hoeing corn, and sometimes in the fodder field saving 
fodder at twenty -five cents per day. and he tending the 
gardens in town and working on the farms for twelve and 
a half cents per day. 

After a while James grew old enough to work, also, and 
would work, sometimes, for five cents per day. At the 
age of sixteen he was put to the tailoring business ; he 
continued at the trade two years, when his future pros- 
pects seemed to be beclouded, and as sitting on the board 
did not agree with him, he concluded to make a change. 
At the age of eighteen, he engaged with Captain James 
Riggin as cook on board a small vessel, similar to that of 
a ship's long boat, at four dollars per month. 

This was the day of small things, but it was the begin- 
ning of a successful course of life. At this period he was 



Formei'ly New Toimi. 115 

very destitute of clothing; he had saved, however, as he 
thought, three months wages with which he intended to 
clothe himself. When lo ! the tailor with whom he had 
been living, had by some means collected his wages, and 
he was still left destitute. This was a terrible blow to the 
little fellow, for he was very small for his age. however he 
continued persevering and became a hand before the mast, 
in the bay and coasting trade. Some time after his 
maturity, by his industrious habits and temperate course 
of life, he won the respect and sympathy of John U^ 
Dennis, who one day told Captain Young that he ought 
to buy a vessel or part of one. Captain replied that he 
w^as not able. Mr. Dennis told him that he would make 
him able, he would lend him the money, and did so. 
Capt- Young then joined Thomas W. Hargis in the pur- 
chase of a schooner. Mr- Hargis at that time was keeping 
store at Wagram, Accomac County, Va. How long this 
partnership lasted I cannot tell, but after their dissolution 
he joined Col. Wm. H. Merrill in a schooner called the 
Sarah Ellen. Finally he bought out Col. Merrill and run 
the vessel in his own name until 1854, when he engaged in 
the steam mill business. 

Although Capt. Young had made up to this time $S,ooo 
or $10,000, yet here was the gold mine which he struck. 
The first few years of his milling life, however, were not 
so successful, but after the war commenced the tide of 
success set in, and money poured in upon him like a 
f^o.d. 



116 History of Pocomoke Clty^ 

In 1866, after making money enough to satisly his 
ambition, he sold out to Polk & Powell, as before stated^ 
and retired. 

In making a few desultory remarks relating to Capt- 
Young, I will sa)^ he has been a great worker and has had 
a constitution to stand it. He has been unyielding in his 
perseverance until the prize was gained. 

There is one feature of his business life which is spe- 
cially worthy of record, and that was, Captain Young 
never did business on the Sabbath day. This is worthy 
of all praise and should be an example to other business 
men to act likewise. He owns ten farms aggregating two 
thousand acres of land, which cost him between forty and 
fifty thousand dollars, he also owns about twenty houses 
and lots, some of them valuable ones, besides his pri\ate 
securities and other personal property. 

Captain Young has been a member of the Methodist 
Protestant Church, in Pocomoke City, for many years, has 
been twice married ; has eight children living, four by 
each wife. He is now living in a green old age at about 
three score and ten years, and looks back upon his life- 
work as master of the situation. 

In 1869, Levin J. M. P. Broadwater and Thomas R. P. 
S. White established a steam saw mill, in New Town, and 
run it until 1869, when it was purchased by James T. 
Young, and he run it until 1876, when he sold it to W. J. 
S. Clarke, and it was moved to Nashville, Accomac County^ 

Virginia. 

In 1864, W. J. S. Clarke and John H. Clarke, his brother^ 



Jriormerly Nexo Town. 117 

established a Marine railway, and in 1869 they built a 
steam saw, planing and grist mill, in New Town. They 
also commenced ship building and repairing at the same 
time. 

In 1869, Hall, Bro. & Co. commenced the steam saw 
mill business. In 1873, they built their Marine railway 
and carry on ship building, also, in connection with these 
two branches of business. 

James T. Young, as has already been stated, is carrying 
on the steam mill business. Is running a steam saw, 
planing and grist mill, and carries on ship building in 
connection. 

Clarke & Co. and Hall, Bro. & Co. have three steam 
saw mills in the countr}^, but the business ol those mills 
centers here, so that I associate them with the steam mill 
business of Pocomoke City. 

In 1865, Thomas F. Stevenson commenced the business 
of steam milling in New Town. In 1866 he took as a 
partner his son, Riley M. Stevenson ; the firm is now doing 
business under the firm of Thomas F. & R. M; Stevenson. 
Theirs is a flour, grist and planing mill. It will afford 
any one pleasure to go into their establishment and witness 
the mechanical skill and neatness that characterizes every 
department. The father and grandfather of this firm is 
with them and works daily at the age of between 80 and 
90 years. They are all natural mechanics and merit the 
praise that is accorded to them for the exhibition of such 
a talent. 

In 1872, James T. Hearn, Allison Fleming and Charles 



118 llUtory of Pocomoke City, 

G. Dale established a steam flour and grist mill in this 
place. How long they continued I am not able to say. 
They, however, sold out to H. H. Dashiell, of Princess 
Ann, Somerset County, Md. The mill is still owned by 
Mr. Dashiell, but it is rented by R. T. Dixon, who is a 
live man, and is doing a heavy business in the manufacture 
of flour and meal. 

In summing up the steam saw, planing and grist mill 
business, together with the marine railway and shipbuild- 
ing business of Pocomoke City, we now have seven steam 
mills, including those in the country whose business is 
identical with the business of Pocomoke City. Five are 
saw mills, two of which have planing and grist mills 
attached ; two are flour and grist mills, one of which has a 
planing mill attached. There are three shipyards and 
two marine railways. They employ in the aggregate i6o 
hands annually, and do an annual aggregated business 
of $166,000. 

Before concluding this part of the history of New Town, 
now Pocomoke City, I would do injustice not to mention 
the case of Captain John H. Clarke, who is equally 
deserving of a liberal notice in this history. 

He was born in 1828 and lived with his father until 
1846, at which period his lather died. He was then 18 
years of age. He farmed for two years and then engaged 
as hand on board of Captain Elijah Taylor's vessel, which 
engagement lasted two or three years, during which time 
he married Captain Taylor's oldest daughter. 

After this he engaged in partnership with his brother, 



Formerly New Town. 119 

W. J. S. Clarke, in the vessel business, and they owned sev- 
eral vessels together. This firm continued, when they 
entered into the steam mill, Marine railway and ship 
building business, finally ending in their large transactions. 
He has served one term, and is at present on his second, 
as commissioner of the county, with great acceptability. 

Above all he is recognized as a good and honest man. 
He owns ten or twelve hundred acres of land, eight or 
ten houses and lots. 

Captain Clarke has been an acceptable member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, in Pocomoke City, for many 
years, has been twice married ; has eight children, five by 
his first wife and three by his second. He is now fifty-two 
or three years of age, in the prime of his strong man- 
hood, with the prospects of the future looming up brightly 
before him. His oldest son, William E. Clarke, is a whole- 
sale drygoods merchant in the City of Baltimore, and as 
he is a native of this place, and as it was here that he 
received his first business ideas, it is but right and proper 
that his history should be known. He was born on the 
2oth day of March, 1851. After receiving such an educa- 
tion as he v/as able to get here, he was taken at the age of 
12 years into the store of his uncle, W. J. S. Clarke, where 
he remained three or four years, during which time he was 
thoroughly drilled by his sagacious uncle, whose business 
ability is proverbial. 

At the age of 15 or 16 years his uncle, seeing he had 
great business qualifications beginning to develop them- 
selves, took him to Baltimore and placed him with that 



120 History of Pocomohe City ^ 

popular and wdl-known house, Hurst, Purncll & Co., 
where he arose step by step from office boy to book- 
keeper, and has been for several years a partner in that 
gigantic establishment. 

Mr. Clarke is quite popular, and as a recognition of that 
fact, a new steamboat, which was built by Hall, Bro. & Co. 
and Clarke & Co., which cost $25,000, which has just 
made its first trip and which will ply between this place 
-and the various tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, has 
been named after him. William E. Clarke is recognized 
by all as one of the leading business men of the Monu- 
mental City. He is 31 years of age, is scarcely in the 
prime of life, with success and emolument knocking at 
liis door. 



'^ormeriy New Toicn. 121 



CHAPTER XVII. 

HOTELS. LIVERY STABLES, &c. 

Hotels existed in New Town at an early dale in its his- 
ttory, the first, however, which I have any information of 
was kept by Josiah Long, my wife's father. How long- he 
was engaged in the business I cannot say. He died in 
1813. About the same time, or shortly after Josiah Long 
•commenced the business, Bennett H. Clarvoe engaged in 
it also. After Mr. Clarvoe died, the widows of Mr. Long 
and Mr- Clarvoe carried the business on for some time 
■and then retired ; and in succession the following persons 
kept hotel, in New Town, now Pocomoke City, until the 
present time, 1882 : Captain John Merchant, Littleton Cot- 
tingham, Sally Jones, Francis Mezick, Thomas Evans, 
Edward F. Mezick, Robert Silverthorn, Joseph Lanktord, 
Henry Dryden, John Allen, Rosa Young, Peter Corbin, 
Robert Marshall, John Adair, L. J. M. P. Broadwater, 
Ralph Ross, Littleton Sturgis, Charles Rider, W. J. S. 
•Clarke, William W. Quinn, Titus I. West, Captain Wm. 
H. Comegys, George Twilly, Levin P. Bowland and H. 
•C. Powell. Mr. Powell is the proprietor of the Clarke 
House, and is a popular hotel keeper. Report says he 
Jceeps the best 4;able of any house on the shore. 



122 History of Pocomoke Cltij^ 

The Livery Stable business has been connected with the- 
Hotel business from time immemorial, until 1869, when, 
the Messrs. William and Samuel Twilly commenced it as 
a separate business. As the Messrs. Twilly are the pio- 
neers in this business, it is but right that an extended 
remark should be made concerning them here. These 
gentlemen, having had long experience in the livery stable 
business, have become experts, and are widely known as. 
reliable men, and are very popular. It is a real pleasure 
to see the fine teams and splendid carriages which go out 
from their stables. It is thought they can challenge the 
whole Eastern Shore, if not the State, for a successful 
rival in their line. 

In 1878 and 1879, Emerson Melvin kept a livery stable,, 
in Pocomoke City, and in 1880 and 1881, John J. Jones 
was engaged in the business ; both of these establishments, 
however, continued but a short time. 

In 1881, Edwin F. Causey and Herbert H. King estab- 
lished a livery stable, in Pocomoke City, and continue 
the same to the present. These gentlemen are polite and 
accommodating ; they keep constantly on hand a supply 
of horses and carriages, and no one need fear disappoint- 
ment in getting a good team at their stable. 

We now have two li\ery stables in Pocomoke City, kept 
by the Messrs. Twilly and Causey & King. These two 
stables keep constantly on hand about twenty horses and 
fifteen carriages, and can scarcely supply the the demand 
at that. 



Formerly Neio Town. 123 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Ol the physicians of New Town (now Pocomoke City), 
Dr. John Stevenson was the first that we have any knowl- 
edge of. He settled in New Town about the year 1800, and 
practiced medicine until he died, which event occurred in 
in 1 8 26. He was buried in the family burying ground on 
the farm, which now belongs to Thomas W. Hargis, he 
being at the time of his death 50 years of age. Dr. 
Stevenson had no competition in the practice of medicine 
until a few years before his death, consequently he had a 
large practice and made money. He had a genial spirit, 
was very popular both as a physician and citizen, and was 
highly cultured. He was a member of the Pitts Creek 
Presbyterian Church, and as has already been intimated, 
became independent, and when he died he left a fine 
estate to his widow and children. 

Dr. Morrison settled here for a short time and practiced 
medicine. Dr. Johnson also practiced medicine in New 
Town for a short time and then moved to Salisbury, where 
he died. The first name of these two gentlemen I have 
forgotten ; they practiced in New Town in the latter part 
of Dr. Stevenson's life. 



124 Historij of Pocomokc ('liij. 

Dr. John H. W. W. Clarvoc commenced the i)ractice of 
medicine in New Town in the latter part of Dr. Steven- 
son's hfe. He built up an extensive practice ; he was 
sociable, intelligent and one of the most popular physicians 
and citizens. The tidy little Doctor's image is before me 
in my memory while I write. Seated upon his Teaboy or 
Catahulean — for these w^ere the names of his horses — hav- 
ing his saddlebags with him, he would ride away to visit 
his patients. The Doctor was a cousin to Bennett H. 
Clarvoe, and consequently a relative of the celebrated and 
well-known detective John Clarvoe, of Washington City, 
who has recently deceased. The Doctor died compara- 
tively a young man, and left a widow anci three children, 
all of whom have since passed away, 

Dr. James B. Horsey settled in New Town in the prac- 
tice of medicine a while after Dr. Stevenson's death. He 
married the Doctor's youngest daughter, Elizabeth, and 
occupied the homestead while he lived. He died in 1838, 
aged 30 years. Dr. Horsey was a native of Snow Hill. 
His lather died when he was quite small. The independ- 
ent and generous-hearted David Hopkins, of Snow Hill, 
who was a bachelor, took a liking to the sprightly lad and 
assumed his education. He gave him a thorough college 
course all at his own expense. After the doctor's gradua- 
tion Mr. Hopkins gave him a physician's outfit, consisting 
of horse, carriage, etc. Dr. Horsey had a bright intellect, 
was a good physician, and a ready off-handed speaker 
when the occasion called him out. 



Formerly New Town. 125 

Dr. George S. D. Shipley commenced the practice of 
medicine, in New Town, in 1839, and continued here ten 
or eleven years. He then moved to SaHsbury and in a 
few years he died. He was a good physician and a gentle- 
man in the best sense of the w^ord. 

Dr. Collyer was associated with Dr. Shipley in the 
practice of medicine in New Town, he afterwards moved 
to Accomac County, Va., where he soon died. Dr. Joseph 
L. Adreon commenced the practice of medicine in New 
Town, in 1839. He was a good physician, practiced about 
20 years, and in i860 he died. 

Dr. Adreon left an amiable widow and a fine family of 
children. In 1846 Dr. John L. Hearn commenced the 
practice of medicine in New Town, and continued the 
same until 1872, during which year he died, embracing a 
period of 26 years. Dr. Hearn was a native of New 
Town, he was born the 19th day of March, 1823. When 
in 1847 he received the hand of Miss Sallie E. Atkinson in 
marriage, a young lady every way worthy of him. Dr. 
Hearn had a bright intellect, beyond the common order 
of minds. He was a good physician and was very pop- 
ular both as a physician and citizen. His popularity in the 
old Whig party was so great that when there was a proba- 
bility of a hard struggie between them and the Democratic 
party, he would be selected as the most available candi- 
date to carry the election for the Whig party. He left a 
widow and four children that are an honor to his name 
and who possess minds of an intellectual order. 

Dr. John T. B. McMaster, physician and surgeon, was 



126 History of Focomoke City^ 

born in Worcester County, Md. near New Town, now 
Pocomoke City, on the i8th clay of December, 1827. 
His parents were Samuel and Ann Baily (Merrill) 
McMaster. His mother was the daughter of William 
Merrill and grand daughter of Col. Clement Parker of 
Accomac County, Va. The McMaster family decended 
from the old Scotch Covenanters. They emigrated to 
America soon after the restoration of Charles l\. and 
settled near Carlisle, Penn. His grand father was a 
Presbyterian Minister. In his boyhood Dr. McMaster 
attended the country schools of the period, and was well 
drilled in the English branches and mastered the elementary 
classes. He possessed a quick and active mind and learned 
with great readiness. 

Soon after leaving school he engaged in mercantile 
pursuits, but finding them unsuited to his tastes, he com- 
menced in 1848 the study of medicine with G. S. D. 
Shipley, of New^ Town. The following year he matricu- 
lated at the University of Maryland, where he attended two 
full courses of lectures, and graduated in the spring of 1850. 
He at once commenced the practice of his profession in 
New Town in partnership with Dr. John L. Hearn, and 
soon succeeded in building up a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. The partnership was dissohed in 1857, since which 
time Dr. McMaster has continued alone in the same place, 
growing constantly in favor as a practitioner and citizen. 
Several young men trained by him for the profession are 
now jiracticing in tlie county. 



Formerly New Town. 127 

In 1862, he was appointed by President Lincoln Brigade 
Surgeon of Volunteers, but on account of the death of the 
oldest physician in the town, too many duties devolved 
upon him at home and he did not go into the army, but 
was employed during most of the w^ar as contract physician, 
with headquarters at New Town. In 1S62 he was 
appointed examining surgeon for the first draft of militia 
called for by President Lincoln, ^vhich duty he lulfilled to 
the general satisfaction of the people of the county. In 
1864 he w^as elected to the Senate of Maryland for two 
sessions, and taking an active and leading part in the 
debates, became an influential member of that body. In 
1 866 he was appointed post master for New Town for 2 years. 
In 1868 he was appointed inspector .and ganger of liquors 
and inspector of snuff and cigars, but only held these 
positions lor a short time. The General Assembly of 
Maryland, through his efforts, granted a charter for New- 
Town, and in 1867 he was elected town commissioner, 
which position he held for two years to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the community. During this period he was mainly 
instrumental in having the town well lighted, the streets 
widened and many other things accomplished that ha\'e 
greatly improved the place. In 1868 he was appointed 
by President Johnson Assistant Assessor of Internal 
Revenue, which position he held for nearly tvvo years. In 
1869 a charter was obtained to construct a railroad from 
King's Creek to New Toun, and Dr. McMaster was elected 
president of the company. Through his active exertions 
.the road was soon completed iuid in running order. In 



I'i8 History of Pocotnohe Oity^ 

1S65 lie procured a cliarter tor a company to build a- 
bridi2:e across the Pocoiiioke River. He subscribed to the 
stock, organized the company, and within the year the 
bridge was built, taking the place of the ferryboat which 
had done service for nearly two hundred years. On May 
May 15, 1 85 1, Dr. IVfcMaster was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Cirace, daughter of Jno. S. Stevenson, a well-known 
citizen of New Town. They have had seven children, 
five of whom are still living. The eldest son, John S., is 
preparing to enter the legal profession. In his religious 
\iews Dr. McMaster prefers the torms and practices of the 
Presbyterian Church, both as a matter of choice and of 
respect for the opinions of his forefiithers. He is one of 
the leading physicians of the State. He has rendered large 
public ser\ices and is regarded as one of the most spirited 
citizens of Maryland. He is now in the meridian of his 
manhood, possessing more than an ordinary degree of 
brilliancy of intellect, and is always ready to take the lead 
in every public good. 

Dr. Alexander Powell practiced medicine in New Town 
in 1 83 1. What time he commenced practicing and how long- 
he continued I am not prepared to say, he, however, went 
to the South, setded there, and has since died. Dr. 
I'^dward White practiced medicine in New Town in 1S45, 
he did not, h()we\ er, continue long before he moved to the 
City of Paltimore where he is still engaged in the practice 
of his profession. Dr. Henry J. P. Dickinson was born 
near New Town. Mar viand, on the twenty-sixth day of 



J^ormerly New Town. 12^ 

September, 1826. His parents were James T. and Nancy 
Dickinson ; he was raised and educated in New Town^ 
studied medicine under Dr. Joseph L. Adreon, and grad- 
uated at the University of Maryland, in 1850. He 
commenced practicing medicine at Barren Creek Springs, 
Somerset County, (now Wicomico,) Md. In 1852, he was 
united in marriage with Miss E. A. Waller, of that county, 
who died in a year or two after her marriage leaving one 
son in his infancy. After the death of his wife. Dr. Dick- 
inson moved to New Town and commenced the practice 
of medicine : in a few years he married Miss Emma F. 
Lambdon, of Worcester County, alter which he moved to 
the country, on his farm, and there continued the practice 
of medicine until he died, which event occurred in 1865. 
He left four children, one by his first wife and three by his 
last, one of whom has since died. Gran\'ille E. Dickinson, 
his oldest son, studied medicine and graduated at the 
Uni\ersity of Maryland, in 1874, at the age of twenty-one 
years, and commenced the practice of medicine in Fair- 
mount, Somerset County, Maryland, where he still con- 
tinues. 

Dr. David J. O. Truitt was born in New Town, Md.,on 
the fifth day of November, 1836. His father, after being 
engaged in the mercantile business, in New Town, for 
several years, mo\ed to the City of Baltimore, where the 
Doctor was educated at the Newton University, after grad- 
uating at that institution, he studied medicine, attended 
two full courses of lectures and graduated at the University 
of Maryland in 1^57, at the age of twenty-one years. He 



130 History of Pocomoke Ciiij, 

then, excepting two intervals in which he practiced in the 
Southern Dispensary of Baltimore and Nasswadduso, 
Worcester County, Maryland, settled in New Town, and 
has remained here ever since. Dr. Truitt is a j^ood phy- 
sician, and is considered one of the best suri^eons on tJie 
Eastern Shore, and is a worthy and useful citizen. He 
has been thrice married and has three children. 



Formerly Isew Town. 131 



CHAPTER XIX. 

PHYSICIANS (CONTINUED^. 

Dr. Samuel S. Quinn was born near New Town, the 22d 
day of April, 1838. His parents were Re\'. William and 
Rosa B. Quinn ; he was educated at New Town Academy, 
studied medicine under Drs. Hearn and McMaster, grad- 
uated at Maryland University, in the spring of 1S59, and 
commenced, at once the practice of medicine in New- 
Town. On the 19th day of June, 1861, he received 
the hand of Miss vSally A. Q. Atkinson in marriage. She 
died the 17th day of September, 1869. His present wife 
was Miss Amanda Conner, with whom he was united in 
marriage on the i6th day of November, 1871. Upon the 
institution of the High School in New Town, he was Trustee 
for several years. He served as commissioner of the Cor- 
poration, in 187 1 and 72, and was also re-elected to that 
office this present year. Notwithstanding these tokens of 
preferment he has never been an applicant for any office. 
The Doctor while attending to his practice has been con- 
ducting the Record and Gazette, a weekly paper in which 
he owns an interest. He has three children living, one by 
his first wife and two by his second. He is quiet, genial 
and companionable, and is poi^sessed of a brilliant intellect. 



132 Jlisiory of Pocomoke City^ 

He is only aproaching the* meridian of his intellectual 
manhood, and has a bright future before him. Dr. Quinn 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in Pocomoke 
City. 

Dr. Isaac T. Coston was born in Somerset County, Md., 
on the loth day of October, 1S32. His father was Wm. 
Coston, of Matthias ; his mother's name was Rosa Taylor^ 
daughter of Samuel Taylor. The Doctor was raised on 
the farm and could only a\ai] himself of such schooling as 
could be had at a country school until he was sixteen years 
old. At sixteen he was admitted into the Washington 
Academy at Princess Anne, as one to receive the benefit 
of the State fund. He lived at a distance of six miles from 
the Acadeniy and went and returned every school day for 
hve years, except he was detained by sickness or extremely 
bad weather, all of which of course drew heavily upon his 
time th:it would under other circumstances have been 
devoted to study. At the expiration of hve years spent 
in this way and his vacations in hard labor on the farm, 
he commenced to teach school and continued for two 
years, at the same time using all his spare hours in reading- 
medicine. He then applied his time exclusively to the 
study of medicine for two years more under Drs. George 
Dixon, of Princess Anne, and John Neill, of Philadelphia. 
He then entered the Pennsylvania University, and after 
attending the regular courses of lectures, he graduated in 
March, 1S57. Immediately after his graduation he located 
in Rehoboth, in Somerset County, where he practiced his 
profession until iN^^. when lu- moxed to Accomac County, 



Forrnerly New T<non. 133 

Va., and there he practiced for two years more, when in 
July, 1865, he moved to New Town, where he has continued 
the practice of medicine e\er since. After setthng in New 
Town he received on the 22d day of February, 1866, the 
hand of Miss OHvia Adams, daughter of the late Morris 
Adams, of Somerset County, in marriage. He has four 
children living ; has held the position of trustee of 
Pocomoke High School for several years, which he 
resigned. The Doctor was, in November last, elected as 
a delegate to represent the people of Worcester County in 
the Legislature, which has now^ closed. He is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church in Pocomoke City, and is a 
very worthy and highly respected citizen. 

Dr. Gordon T. Atkinson was born in Somerset County, 
Md. on the 1 8th day of December, 1 846. He was educated 
at the New Tow^n Academy and at Dickinson College. 
After he left College he read medicine under Dr. S. S. Quinn 
for one year, he then went to the University of Penn. and 
attended lectures. He received the degree of M. D. in 
1869. He practiced medicine in Pocomoke City for One 
year. He then removed to Crisfield, Md. where he has 
since resided, pursuing the practice of his profession. 

Dr -George T .Truitt, son of William R. and Sarah C. 
Truitt, was born in the City of Baltimore, in 1848. He 
alternately received his education in the City of Baltimore, 
in New Town, and in Claymont, Del., at which latter place 
he graduated. Immediately after his graduation at school 
he took up the study of medicine under Prof. Nathan R. 
Smith of Baltimore. 



1 34: Ilistor// of Pocomokx City^ 

Prof. Smith was his preceptor until he graduated at the 
University School of Medicine, in the City of Baltimore, 
in 1869. In 1870, he commenced the practice of medi- 
cine in New Town, he remained here one year and 
removed to Millsboro, Sussex County, Delaware. He 
there practiced in partnership with G. F. Burton for one year, 
when the partnership was dissolved. He then practiced 
alone for three years, during which time he was married 
to Miss Virginia C. Burton, of that place. After remaining 
in Delaware during the time aforesaid Dr. Truitt again 
returned to New Town where he engaged in the practice 
of medicine until within a few years past, since which time 
he has devoted his time, exclusively, to Dental Surgery. 
Dr. Truitt is the only graduated physician, in Pocomoke 
City, who devotes himself, exclusively, to Dental Surgery 
in which he is a proficient. He is a vestryman in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in Pocomoke City and is a 
good citizen and worthy of patronage. 

Dr. Julius T. Hall was born on the old homestead near 
New Town, Worcester County, Md., on the 20th day of 
July, 1849- Soon afterwards his father, Zadock J. Hall 
moved to town where he raised his family. Julius received 
his education from the schools of the town, completing it in 
the High School. In 1867, he took charge of a school at 
Swansgut or Remson, where he remained for 18 months. 
In the fall of 1869, he took charge of Pitt's Creek School. 
In 1870, he accepted a position as teacher in the Pocomoke 
High School where he remained until 1874. He then ac- 
cepted the position of assistant superintendant of Baltimore 



Formerlij New Town. 135 

House of Refuge, after remaining there some time, he 
accepted the principalship of Jacksonville Academy near 
Crisfield, Somerset county, Md. This was his largest 
and most flourishing school ; he taught it for over three 
years and during the time he read medicine. In 1877, he 
entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the 
University of Maryland. He attended two full courses of 
lectures and graduated in 1879. He forthwith opened 
an office in Pocomoke City where he has since been prac- 
ticing his profession. In October, 1879, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary C. Thomas, of Norfork Virginia. 

Dr. Hall is a young man yet; he is a member of the 
Baptist Church in Pocomoke City ; he is studious, indus- 
trious and is highly respected, both as a physician and 
citizen. Having a good mind and physicial constitution, 
he has flattering prospects of a useful life and will, no 
doubt, be ranked among the first physicians of his day. 

Dr. Wallace W, Freeman was born in Nashville, Tenn.^ 
on the 13th day of April, 1 855. He was educated in the 
public schools of Memphis, Tenn.", and Camden, New 
Jersey. He commenced the study of dentistry in Pocomoke 
City in the fall of 1879, and attended two sessions of 
lectures at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, 
where, in 1882, he graduated and received his degree of 
D. D. S., after which he opened an office in Pocomoke City, 
where he is at present practicing his profession. He is 
studious and closely applies himself to business and is 
ambitious to excel in his profession. He may always be 



136 History of Phcomoke City^ 

found at his office, where he is prepared to t>ive entire 
satisfaction in dental surgery. 

Dr. Freeman is a member of the Baptist Church in 
Pocomoke City. He has a high sense of moral obliga- 
tion and is a thorough temperance man. If these 
qualifications betoken a bright future in his profession, he 
will reach it. 

Dr. John H. King was born in Princess Anne, Somerset 
County, Md., on the 29th day of August, 1857. He was 
educated at the High School of Pocomoke City. After 
leaving school, he entered the drug store of E. Fontaine 
as clerk, and had six years experience in the drug 
business, during which time he had read medicine under 
Dr. S. S. Quinn. After this he entered the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons in the City of Baltimore, at 
which he attended two full courses of lectures and grad- 
uated in March, 1882. He at once returned to Pocomoke 
City and commenced the practice of medicine, associating 
"himself in partnership with Dr. S. S. Quinn. Dr. King is 
a young man of considerable promise ; he has a good 
mind and an ambition to excel in his profession, which 
knows no flagging. He is sound on the temperance ques- 
tion and is a supporter of moral reforms, and as a 
physician, it is already said of him, ** he is becoming quite 
popular." I have no doubt but that he will hold a place 
in the front ranks of his protession with honor. 

In summing up the history of the medical fraternity of 
Pocomoke City, I will say we have eight physicians and 



Formerly New Town. 137 

surgeons, all in the prime of life, their ages ranging from 
25 to 54 years, all men of families except two, all belong 
to church except two, and they are church-goers and are 
professedly temperance men. When I think ot former 
years when it was an exception for a physician to belong 
to church or to be professedly a temperance man, I am 
constrained to pronounce a eulogy upon the men who 
compose the medical fraternity of Pocomoke City, as 
being worthy of all praise for the noble stand which they 
have taken in support of Christianity and moral reform. 
I think Pocomoke City can challenge any town on the 
Eastern Shore of 1,500 inhabitants to produce such a 
brotherhood of physicians. 



138 History of Pocomoke Cittjy 

CHAPTER XX. 

LAWYERS. 

In 1867, Alpheus Sidney Stevens commenced the 
practice of law in New Town ; pre\'ious to tliis time we 
never had a resident lawyer in the place. He was born 
in Somerset County, Md., on the 15th day of December, 
1840. He was a regular descendant of Col. William 
Stevens, of colonial fame. His father, who is still living 
at or near the age of 75 years, is no doubt the great great 
grandson of Col. Wm. Stevens. This declaration could 
be corroborated by such a statement of facts were it 
necessary, as would leave but little room for cavil. 

Alpheus Sidney Stevens was a self-made man. He 
only went to school two years, fifteen months of that time 
he went to a country school, which he afterward said was 
time thrown away. The remaining nine months was 
occupied at New Town Academy, during which time he 
made some advancement, enough at least to inspire a 
thirst for knowledge, which never abated during his life. 
At 15 years of age he engaged as clerk in a store and 
continued in lliat capacity for three years. At 18 years of 
age he obtained a fust grade certificate from the School 
Hoard of Somerset County to teach school, and he 



Formerhj New Town. 139 

engaged in that occupation lor three years more, at which 
time he was 21 years old. He then commenced merchan- 
dising in Pocomoke City and was a successful merchant 
for six years. On the 3d day of November, 1863, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Truitt. During his 
mercantile life he read law and in 1S67 was admitted to 
the bar of Worcester County, after passing one of the 
finest examinations. He practiced law for four years. 
Plis was a mind of no ordinary cast ; indeed, he was a 
genius. Although he made great proficiency in the 
pursuit of knowledge for his opportunity, yet he was called 
away in the morning of life before he had reached the 
meridian of his intellectual manhood. Had he lived, no 
doubt he would have been a jurist of the first order and 
worthy to be associated with his ancestor of colonial fame. 
Mr. Stevens was a member of the Presbyterian Church in 
New Town. On the 19th day of July, 1872, he passed 
away like the blasted rosebud that just began to unfold its 
petals to make its fragrance known. So died Alpheus 
Sidney Stevens, at the age of 32 years, leaving a widow 
and four children to cherish his memory. 

Benjamin Williams, attorney at law, was admitted to 
the bar of Worcester County Court about the year 1871. 
He was a native of Calvert County, Md. but moved to 
Worcester County prior to his study in law. Immediately 
after his admission to the bar, he located in Pocomoke 
City and commenced practicing his profession. He 
continued in the practice of law for about two years and 
then moved to another part of the State. 



140 Ilistortj of Pocomoke City^ 

Adial v. Barnes, attorney at law, was l^orn in Nassa- 
naddus, Worcester County Md., on the loth day of 
September, 184S. His parents were James A. and Sarah 
E. Barnes. His father was quite an extensive and very 
successful farmer and accumulated a large amount of 
wealth, and is living, at ease, in Pocomoke City, at the age 
of three score and ten years. 

Adial P. Barnes, in his early life, labored on his father's 
farm with the farm hands except when going to school. 
He attended a country school, where only the elementary 
principles of education w^ere taught. In his youth, he had 
an ardent desire to get an education that he might be 
prepared to enter upon a professional life. His father, 
seeing the bent of his mind, sent him to the Public High 
School of Pocomoke City, where he was taught the 
higher branches of education. After attending this school 
for two years he read law in the office of George W. 
Purnell, Esq., in Snow Hill, for one year. He then went 
to the University of Virginia and attended law lectures, in 
that institution, for two years. After which he went to the 
University of Maryland and took his degree in the law- 
department of that institution, in the month of June, 1873. 
Upon graduating he opened a law^ office, in the same year, 
in Pocomoke City, where he followed his profession until 
the month of October, 1877, when he removed to Snow 
Hill, Md., and opened an office there, where he is still 
ngaged in the practice of law. Mr. Barnes is a growing 
lawyer and ranks well with his professional brotherhood. 



Formerly New Town. 141 

He is a young man yet, and having an ambition to excel, 
he will, no doubt, with his application make his mark as a 
jurist whose talent will command a lucrative practice and 
secure a name to be envied. 

J. Lloyd Wilkinson was born in New Town on the 13th 
day of May, 1857. His fother Rev. William Wilkinson 
was a Baptist minister. Mr. Wilkinson attended the High 
School at New Town until he was eleven years of age. 
After this he entered the Drug Store of Mr. C. C. Lloyd 
as clerk, after being in the drug store of Mr. Lloyd for 
several years he went to Culpepper, in Virginia, to take 
charge of a drug store there. During the time, in which 
he was engaged in the drug business, he read law under 
Gen. Jas. G. Fieldof Culpepper, who is at present. Attorney - 
General for the state of Virginia, and in 1878 he was 
admitted to the bar. At this period he was 21 years of 
age. He practiced in the courts of Madison, Green and 
Culpepper Counties, Va. In the winter of 1879 and i83o, 
he returned to Pocomoke City and in 1880 he was 
admitted to the Worcester bar. 

Mr. Wilkinson is a young man of promise, with a good 
mind looming up into brilliancy, and is rising in the estima- 
tion of all who know him, for his legal ability. 

John Glenn Towsend was born in Nassawaddux, Wor- 
cester County, Maryland, on the 25th day of May, 1853, 
and resided, up to his early manhood, in the county of his 
birth. He received a common school education, and 
being of studious habits he prepared himself for a teacher 



142 History of Pocomo/ce Citij^ 

in the public schools. He was appointed principal of the 
grammar school at Stockton, Worcester County, Md., 
which position he held some considerable time, during 
which he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 
Worcester County, in 1877. He, however, continued 
teaching school for two years. Afterwards he opened a 
law office in Pocomoke Cit}'', where he has since practiced 
his profession. Mr. Towsend is the youngest son of 
Teagle Towsend, deceased, who was a leading man in 
the county, of the old Whig party. 

J. Glenn Towsend is quite a young man and has, com- 
paratively, jnst entered the arena of public life as a 
lawyer. If a noted family record, with a good mind and 
studious habits, together with a good moral and religious 
character, is any warrant of success, he will doubtless 
honor his profession. 

J. Shiles Crockett, attorney at law, was born in Princess 
Anne, Md., on the 12th day of December. 1858. He was 
educated partly at the Princess Anne Academy and at 
St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., at which latter institu- 
tion he graduated in 1S78. He read law in the office of 
Col. Henry Page and was adm.itted to the bar of Somerset 
County Court in 18S0. He then moved to Crisfield and 
practiced his profession until 1882, when he removed to 
Pocomoke City. Mr. Crockett is a young man with a 
good mind and is a graduate at college. He read law 
under one of the first lawyers of the State. With appli- 
cation he has everything in his favor to insure success 
in his profession. 



Formerly New Town. 14o 

A history of the legal profession in New Town, now 
Pocomoke City, would be incomplete not to mention the 
■fact that many of the lawyers, both of the Snow Hill and 
Princess Anne bar, have practiced law in New Town, and 
chief among those of the Princess Anne bar who have thus 
practiced are John W. Crisfield, James V . Dennis, Col. 
Henry Page and William McMaster. Those of the 
"Snow Hill bar. are Dennard Williams, Judge John R- 
Franklin, Walter P. Snow, Judge Ephraim K. Wilson, 
William H. W. Farrow, George \\'. Purnell George M. 
Upshur, William S. Wilson, Clayton J. Purnell and Adial 
P. Barnes. The Messrs. G, \\ . Purnell, G. M. Upshur, 
W. S. Wilson, C. J. Purnell and A. P. Barnes, have still 
their stated times ol visitations to Pocomoke City attend- 
ing to all business appertaining to the law. 



144r Jlistn'f/ of J^ocomoke City^ 



CHAi'TKR XXI. 

POST OFFICE. 

The postofiice, in the early history of New Towit.. 
was a very small affair, so small, indeed, that I have the 
impre.ssion that there was no pay for transmission of the 
mail IroMi Snow Hill to New Town, as that was, then, the 
mall route. I am indorsed in this declaration by the fact 
that it was transmitted by ind;\idual citizens when they 
would oo to Snow Mill, on business, on pul)lic days. 

As early as 1820, Michael Murrax', my father, was post- 
master for New Town. When other means of i^ettino- the 
mail would fail, my father would send my two oldest 
brothers, each one on horseback, to Snow Hill for the 
mail. After these two brothers went to Ikiltimore to learn 
a trade, this duty at times fell upon my two ne.xt older 
brothers and myself. The mail was due at New Town 
once a week, and sometimes it would lay in the office at 
Snow Hill two weeks for the want of a carrier. In such 
emeri^encies, my f ilhers would say to us ; " Bovs, you 
must take the canoe," for then we had no horse, "and <^q 
to Snow Hill for the mail." At that period I do not 
think 1 was more than eijLiht years of ame. We manned 
the b ).it with lw«. o u's and a j) uUlIe : as I was the 



Formerhj Nevj Toicn. 145 

youngest, it fell to my lot to be steersman, as that was the 
easiest part of the work. We would start on the first of 
the flood tide. We were going on United States busi- 
ness, and being little boys, of course we felt the importance 
of our mission. When the boys would lean back with 
their oars and make a long pull and a strong pull the 
canoe, as a thing of life, would dart ahead and seemed to 
say to me : " If you don't mind I will run from under 
you." Thus we tugged and sweated until we reached 
Snow Hill. We went up to the postofhce and got the 
mail. If the ebb tide had made we started for home. 
Sometimes we would be in the night getting home. At 
such times I ^vould get sleepy and w^ould be afraid I 
would fall overboard. Incidents like the following ha\'e 
taken place when ue have been delayed till the night 
getting home. A storm cloud would arise, the thunder 
and lightning would be terrific, the rain coming down 
seemingly in torrents. We had no covering but the 
cloud out of whicli the rain was descending. W^hen we 
would be getting down near the old ferry, now the bridge, 
we w^ould begin to halloo at the top of our voices, knowing 
that our mother would be down at the back of the lot 
looking up the river to see if we were coming. Sure 
enough she would be the first one to meet us when we 
reached the shore. The reader will learn that my father's 
house stood on the same ground where William J. S. 
Clarke's house now stands. There was no wharf then 
between the lot and the river. There was nothing but 
tuckahoes, mud and bramble. 



When I tliink ol'thc incident just described with many 
others In which a mother's love has baen shown. I am 
■constrained to exclaim : " Oh ! the thon<^hts of a precious 
loving- mother ; 1 once had such a mother, and the 
remembrance of her is like sweet incense poured forth." 
We arrived safely at home, ate our supper, weiit to bed 
:\\\(\ slept soundlv. The next mornino; the mail was 
opened. The citizens would call for their mail matter. 
Some of them had friends living- in the far West, on the 
frontiers of civilization, as far away as Ohio and ye Old 
Kentuckv. Oh I what a wonderful sight it was then, to a 
little boy, to see a mail who had come from that far-away 
country. As I ha\e already stated the New Town mail 
was very small. There were but few newspapers in the 
countrv and I ha\e no knowledge what the i)ostage was 
on them. Letter postage was regulated by the distance a 
letter had to go. For instance, the postage on a letter 
from New Town to Baltimore was ten cents and from New- 
Town to New Orleans it was twenty-hve cents. Anything 
over half ounce w.is double postage then as it is now. 
Forty years ago there was an express arrangement from 
New Orleans t(j Baltimore in the form of a ilying post; 
that is to say, horses on the route would be bridled and 
saddled already to start at the moment. Vov instance, the 
starting point would be at New Orleans, the horse was 
saddled and bridled and the rider in the saddle ; at the 
moment the signal to start was gi\en, the rider would go 
in flving ."^.peed to the next station of probably four miles 
disfaiicr. at which another horse would be all reidy. the 



Formerly Neio Town. , 147 

rider would dismount and mount again and thus pursue 
the route to Baltimore. A letter by this route cost seventy- 
five cents from New Orleans to New Town ; if the letter 
had money in it or over a half ounce the postage was one 
dollar and fifty cents. How long this express route 
existed I cannot say, probably not long. In 1827, Michael 
Murray, my father, resigned the postmastership, having 
held that position from my earliest recollection. At the 
period referred to above, there was no mail pouch to put 
the mail matter in ; indeed, the mail would be so small that 
it would be tied up with twine and taken in the hand, not 
larger than any one of the neighborhood mails that go out 
of Pocomoke City Postoffice at the present day. 

The following is a list of names of postmasters of New 
Town Postofhce from 1820 to 1882: Michael Murray, 
Thos. Brittingham, John Burnett, Dr. James B. Horsey, 
John S. Stevenson, Dr. Joseph L. Adreon, William J. S. 
Clarke, William H. T. Clarvoe, C. C. Lloyd, James 
Murray, Dr. John T. B. McMaster, William H. S. Merrill 
and James H. Vincent, who is the present incumbent. 
Thus the names of the i^ostmasters of New Town Post- 
office will be preserved from oblivion to those who do not 
take the pains to search the official records for such 
information. 

I would here state that the postoffice went l^egging for 
an appointee as late as 1861. This was the c:iS3 when it 
came into the writers hands at the above date. The mail, 
in New Town, was semi-weekly and the post master 



148 History of Poconioke City, 

received about 80 dollars i)er year for his serxices. About 
1863, the postoffice became a salaried one. The post 
master was required to keep a correct account of all 
mail matter going through the office during the last 
quarter of the year and make a return of the same to the 
postoffice department at Washington, and his salary was 
based upon the per centage allowed him on all mail matter 
going through the office that quarter, for two years to 
come. Thus the salary was fixed every two years. 

The postoffice in Pocomoke City, at the present day, 
pays a salary of $700. It is one to be coveted and one 
that will induce a political struggle to obtain. As late, 
probably, as 1850, we had but one mail a week, now we 
have three mails a day, and soon the fourth one will be 
added. The rate of postage, then, was fixed according 
to the distance a letter had to go. Then a letter from New 
Town to New Orleans was twenty-five cents, now a letter 
postage is three cents to any part of the United States.. 



Formerly New Towri. 149 



CHAPTER XXII. 

PRINTING OFFICES. 

In 1865, Albert J. Merrill established a printing press in 
New Town. He edited and published a weekly paper 
called the Record. This was the first paper ever pub- 
lished in New Town. It was creditable, neat and highly- 
prized by the people. In 1865, William L. Clarke, a 
native of Worcester County, who had been living in 
Wellsvile, Ohio, for several years, and had published a 
paper there called the Wellsville Patriot, returned to this, 
his native county, and established a printing press in New 
Town, and edited and published a paper called the Gazette. 
This paper, also, was neatly gotten up, and was a credit 
to its editor, and highly prized by its patrons. 

These two editors sent out their weekly issues down to 
1872, when A. J. Merrill, Esq., bought out William L. 
Clarke, Esq., and consolidated the two papers into one, 
<:alled the Record and Gazette, under the editorial man- 
-agement and control of A. J. Merrill, Esq. 

In 1879, Dr. S. S. Quinn bought one half of the press, 
and its appurtenances, and had the editorial management 
of the paper under the firm of A. J. Merrill and S. S. 
^uinn, until 1882, when J. Shiles Crocket became one- 



150 lliistory of Pocoiiioke Citij, 

third owner ai the press and paper, and is now the editor 
and manager of the same, under the firm of Merrill, 
Ouinn & Crocket. 



Formerly Neio Town. 151 



CHAPTER XXIII, 



SOCIAL ASPECT, &c. 

The social aspect of New Town, now Pocomoke City. 
The reader may be anxious to learn something ot the 
habits and social bearing of the citizens during- its early 
history. Well ! to begin, the citizens, with very few excep- 
tions, would take their toddy ; hence, the common practice 
which was followed by parents of mixing a glass of toddy 
before breakfast and handing it to each member of the 
family, from the oldest to the youngest. This practice w^as 
as common as the days rolled round, when I was a little 
boy. Again, when friends would visit each other the decan- 
ter of liquor, glasses, sugar and water would be set out, and 
an invitation given to come up and help themselves. Again, 
when citizens and men from the countr}^ would congregate, 
on Saturday, at the stores, (for the stores were the chief 
places of resort) a pint of liquor would be called for. The 
pint cup would be set out with tumblers and pitcher of 
water, and the invitation given to all present to come up, 
''come up gentlemen and help yourselves." Then toasts 
would be drank, something after the following order, with • 
the glass in hand, addressing the company : "well ! gentle- 



152 History of Pocomoke City, 

men I here is luck and a plenty." I-Vec}uently the)- woiikl 
ii'et quite mellow over the pint cup before they left it ; antl 
likely enough a few brushes of the fist would follow. 

Another feature of social life was that of families visiting 
each other to eat the social meal. At such times they 
Avould remain after supper with the family until usual bed- 
time, passing the time in such conxersation as would be 
agreable to all. The family code at that day was : that 
children could be seen but must not be heard while the 
older persons were talking. 

A little incident occurred one night, on one of those 
occasions, in relation to myself, which will be somewhat 
amusing to the reader : Some neighbors had called in to 
take supper with my father and mother, and staid till after 
night. The little folks had received orders to sit and listen 
but must not talk, if they did, the one so offending must 
march off up stairs to bed. Somehow or other I l^roke 
the law, I was discovered talking to the boys, who with 
myself, with this single exception, were as mute as mice, 
the result was I had to go to bed. While lying in bed, 
reviewing my conduct during the day and night. I knew I 
had been a bad boy. Conscience was supreme and 
hurled its thunderbolts at me. I began to cast my thoughts 
around and contemplate the possibility of Satan's coming 
after me that night, and if so what should I do. Just at 
that moment, while under such terrible reflections, the 
house cat, which by means of the room door being left 
open, had crept into the room and jumped upon the bed, 
in doing which it jumped in my face. The reader may, if 



Formerlij New Town. 151) 

lie can, imagine my feelings; to me they were beyond 
description. I grabbed the cat with both hands, and 
threw it in another part of the room. But, oh ! the terror 
that seized me. I screamed at the top of my voice. As 
soon as I took hold of the cat I knew what it was, but the 
fact of its being the cat did not abate my screaming. I 
thought the Devil was about to lay hold of me. Mv 
mother was swift to my rescue, and carried me down 
stairs, and I was once more happy in being seated in the 
cdfi'ner with the children listening to the old folks at home. 
Again, the social life w^as exhibited in the \arious amuse- 
ments and pastimes of the day. For instance, the game 
of fives with the trapball was a favorite sport with both men 
and boys ; the playing ot cards was also frequently prac- 
ticed in families ; shooting at the mark for turkeys, quarters 
of beef, etc. Wrestling was much in vogue in the early 
history of New Town. Men and boys both would engage 
in it. Boxing was also practiced. 

I have beheld such sports and !"ia\'e seen men kick each 
other like horses. Sometimes death would be the result 
of such exercises. There were men in New Town and 
the surrounding county who prided themselves upon their 
manhood. Sometimes they would exhibit their strength 
by lifting the fifty-six pound weights, which were used in 
the tobacco warehouse for weighing tobacco. The two 
heaviest lifts were as follows : one lifted eleven the other 
fourteen fi(ty-six pound weights, each man aggregating 
respectively 6 16 pounds and 784 pounds. Query: Are 



154 History of Pocoinoke (Jit»j^ 

there two men in Pocomoke City at the present who cani 
come up to this. Those shooting, wresthng and boxing 
matches were attended with a spirit of rivalry which would 
sometimes culminate in a pitched battle. I have seen men 
strip themselves to the waist and commence their brutal- 
ity. Those fights would be equal in brutality, if not so 
scientific, to the prize fights of recent years. Again, social 
life would be seen in the cotton pickings, quiltings and 
dances. After the cotton j)icking or quilting had been 
attended to, the plays would commence. For instance* a 
family had a quilt to be quilted, they would invite the 
young ladies to come in the afternoon and the gentlemen 
would go after supper. By supper time the quilt would be 
finished. After supper the plays would commence by 
singing those songs that used to be sung on such occa- 
sions "in the days of yore." Of course they had kissing 
in the plays, for that was the most enjoyable part of them. 
On a certain occasion it was the iortune of a certain young- 
man to call out a lady whom it would be his pleasure, as 
he thought, to kiss. The call was made, the young lady 
came out upon the floor, she was very tall and he was low 
of stature, she was aristocratic and was mortified at being 
called out by him ; he attempted to kiss her, but she held 
her head well up and snuffed her nose at him, so that he 
could not succeed, but he was equal to the emergency. 
" Stop ! stop ! " said he, " let me draw my boots and climb." 
The take-off was so good that it raised a great titter in 
the company and that young lady's pride got a fall tlYa^ 



Jt^oTinerly Neio Town. 155 

night. I have spoken of the songs in those plays, one of 
which I will mention as illustrative of the character of 
the rest. 

"Here we go to Baltimore, 
Two behind and two before; 
Round and round and roand we go, 
Where oats, peas, beans 
And barley grows." 

From the best information that I can get this is an Irish 
song. The word Baltimore was originally spelled " Bailte 
Mor " and signified a proprietary of a barony or large 
town. On a certain occasion there was a social gathering 
at the house of an old gentleman. The young folks were 
formed in a ring, holding on to each other's hands, and 
singing the above song. As they w^ere marching round 
and round, a certain young man was in reach of the old 
gentleman as he sat in the corner of the hearth-place, 
when he slapped him on the shoulder, exclaiming: "Johnnie, 
honey, don't you love the gals ! " The answer was prompt: 
"Oh, yes, Uncle Davie!" still singing as they swung 
around the circle. 



150 Ristory of Focomol^e City^ 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

SOCIAL ASPi:CT (CONTINUED.) 

Again, the dance was a lavorite source of social enter- 
tainment in the early history of New Town. There were 
three classes of characters, which I shall describe, partici- 
pating in this amusement. First, the first citizens ot the 
town engaged in it. Sometimes it was the result of a 
wedding, a cotton picking, quilting, or it may have been a 
special dancing party. I am not now describing the balls 
held at hotels where a gentleman and lady could enter by 
paying the entrance fee, but social dances held at private 
houses for amusement. The host and hostess would pro. 
vide such things as wines, liquors, candies, cake and 
tropical fruit to make the entertainment as enjoyable as 
possible. The invited guests would assemble after candle 
light. They were composed chiefly of single persons, but 
sometimes there would be a small sprinkling of married 
ones also. An exjKTt fiddler would be engaged. All 
things being ready and the parties on the Hoor, the fiddler 
having his fiddle well tuned, would draw his bow at full 
length, when a feeling of exhilaration would go through 
the room like electricity. The parties now engaged in a 
four or eight-handed reel. Oh ! what a fine time there 



Formerly New Town. 157 

was. The cotillions, waltzing, capering, parties passing 
each other on the floor, crossing and around the room, 
cutting the pigeon wing, etc. After that reel was over the 
hat would be passed around to take a collection for the 
fiddler, for that was the way he was paid for his services. 
Then another party would be made up and after the dance 
the hat was passed around again, and so the night was 
spent till or near the break of day. When they would get 
weary and laint they would keep their spirits up by pouring- 
spirits down. At such places of hilarity many a young 
lady's heart and hand has been wooed in marriage. 

Secondly. The lower class of society in the country, 
both of men and women, would attend the holidays in 
New Town. On those occasions they assembled at the 
hotels and engaged in the dance, and some of the same 
order of men in New Town would participate with them. 
It would be a novel sight at the present day to see such a 
gathering ol men and women at a hotel engaged in a 
regular hoe down, such as was practiced then. 

Thirdly. This class would be the colored people. They 
would assemble in town from all the surrounding country. 
They would construct booths on the hill or public square, 
in which they would have for sale cakes, candies, cider, 
beer and tropical fruits. They would ha\'e all sorts of 
jollity, boxing, wrestling, pitching quoits, dancing after the 
fiddle and patty whack. This word patty whack of itself 
is unmeaning, hence I shall be under the necessity of 
explaining the process of the dance in this way. The 



158 History of Pocomoke Citt/s 

company would be in the open air on the hill. The leader 
in this amusement would pat with his hands and stamp 
with his foot while the rest would dance. The leader 
would use some outlandish expression in song, such as the 
following : 

"Juber up and Juber down, 
Juber all around do town." 

And when they would reach the climax, he would sing 
out with an extended \oice • 

"Jump ovci- doubl(> trouble Juber." 

Then such antics and gymnastics as the dancers would 
perform with their hands and feet, keeping time with the 
leader, as would be truly diverting to the reader could he 
behold such a performance now. Another song which 
they would sing in their dances was : 

"Possum up de gum busli. 

Raccoon in de holler. 
Saddle on de gray mare, 

Martiuii;!! and collar." 

I have endeavored to spell their words as the\' would 
pronounce them. Late in the afternoon, they would be 
seen with their little bundle of cakes, getting ready to start 
for home. Thus the day closed with them. The social 
aspect of New Town, now Pocomoke City, has undergone 
a change for the better. Whereas in the description 
already given of social life, in the early history of New 
Town, as contributing to the pleasures and passions of the 
animal, now it is sc-en in the im])r()\enH'nt of the intellec- 



FoTinerlu Nevj Town. 159 

tual and religious part of iiian. Sociability seems to have 
left the lower walks of our fallen nature and is aspiring to 
a higher sphere of our manhood, as may be seen in the 
following- instances, namely : in the formation of literary 
and beneficial societies, in the mingling together in the 
pursuit of knowledge. Indeed, the free public school 
system, in the Pocomoke City High School, has contri- 
buted largely to, and has acted a Acry important part in 
the social status of Pocomoke City. Here mind is pre- 
eminent, and the scholars who possess superior intellect 
are honored for their talent, and their society is appreciated 
whether they be rich or poor. 

Again, the various picnics and festivals gotten up lor 
the promotion of education, churches, sabbath schools 
missionary and other benevolent societies, in whicli all have 
an interest, and all mingle. Although the different 
churches may in one sense be considered distinct commu- 
nities, yet when contemplated in their great work of doing 
good they are 0]ie grand whole, emulating each other in 
elevating society and promoting the social and religious 
bearing of Pocomoke Cit}-. Again the improvement ol 
the musical talent, by the young folks, has contributed 
largely to social life in Pocomoke City. Whereas instead 
of listening to the old timey songs, in the days of yore, by 
uncultivated voices, now it is simply fascinating to listen 
to the select pieces of music as sung either in the choir, 
•at concerts, or in social gatherings by those who have 
•cultixated \oices. aud who are well educated in the science 



ir>() IIisti)ri/ of J^iKSoi/wku; CitiJ^ 

ot iniisic. Tlic tjucry may he ai;itated, what has producL'd 
sucli a change in the social condition? Answer. It may 
1)0 the increase of the population, a higher grade of 
schooling and the influence of the churches. 



V 



Formerly New Town, 161 



CHAPTER XXV. 

MORAL ASPECT. 

The moral aspect of New Town in its early history. 
Although there were some good and holy people in New 
Town, whose lives stood out as bm'ning and shining 
lights, and although the gospel was making successful 
attacks on the fortifications of sin and wickedness, and 
winning many jewels from the rank and file of sinners, 
and presenting them as trophies to the Saviour of men ; 
yet the morals of the people, as a whole were compara- 
tively at a low ebb. In order to see more clearly the 
debased state of morals, I will give you some few specifi- 
cations for illustration, for instance : the habit of drunken- 
ness, though it was always condemned by the good and 
true, yet it was winked at, and the votaries of the practice 
moved along in society as though nothing very serious 
had hapened. 

Again, the habit of swearing was very common. When 
men would meet in New Town, on Saturdays, on business 
or for social interview, for that was the public day, he that 
could swear the keenest, sharpest oaths, attracted the 
greatest attention, especially from the boys. 



162 History of Pocomoke Cif'/. 

It" there was a tray on hand, he that could use the most 
awful assexerations and loul-mouth im:)recations as though 
he were commissioned from the bottomless pit, serpent like 
to infect liis poison, was the greatest man of the crowd. 

Ai^ain. ^anihlin^ was much in vo_f(ue, i^ami)ling' socially 
and for money, and many were the times that men would 
lengthen out the midnight taper till the dawn of coming 
day, using all their ingenuity to get each others money. 

Again ctjnjuration, fortune-telling, witchcraft and super- 
stition were all belie\ed to be as true as preaching, by the 
lowest class of society. 

Hut while conjuration and witchcraft ha\e long since 
disapi)eared from society, fortune-telling and suj)erstition 
have lingered longer, and there may be some ot the old 
folks now living, particularly among the fair sex, who have 
had their fortunes told by the cutting of cards or the 
grounds of a coffee cup, in order to learn who their future 
husbands would be. Perhaps there may be some of those 
already spoken of who have showed the new moon a 
piece ot silver in order to have good luck that mooiv, or 
who 1)elieved in sowing certain seeds on certain states ot 
the moon as sure, onlv then of \-egetating, or who have 
their ];ork butchered on the increase of the moon in order 
for it to swell, beliexing if the moon is on the decrease the 
■j)ork would shrink. lUit these practices, to some extent, 
have gone into the shades and the people liave already 
learned that the only road to success in any enterprise is 
application; that the diligent hand maketh rich, while 
laziness and idleness paws the wa\' to jiovcrty and ruin. 



Formerly New Toioi. 163 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

TEMPERANCE CAUSE. 

The temperance cause as a distinct organization was 
unknown in the early history of New Town. The onh' 
thing- bordering on temperance was the denunciations 
against drunkenness from the sacred desk, which deck^.red 
that " drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God." 
Notwithstanding this first out-beaming ot the temperance 
cause from the pulpit, professed Christians would some- 
times be seen with flushed cheeks and tongues unbridled, 
as the result of the too frequent use of the glass. Indeed, 
the habit of drinking spirituous liciuors, with the exception 
of a very few, was quite conuuon in families, in social 
gatherings and in business life. In all these relatidns the 
social glass was indulged in freely. I have already stated 
in another, part of this history that to be successful in 
merchandising it was considered absolutely necessary 
to sell Hquor. Hence all who engaged in the sale of 
goods, without an exception, sold spirituous liquors. In 
view of this state of things it cannot be wondered at that 
there should be drunkards aiKl a plenty of them too. 
While the vender would fatten upon his ill-gotten gains. 



164 History of Pocomohe CiUj^ 

his \ictims with their famiHes and children would be left 
destitute, in want and clothed in rags, and sometimes it 
was the case that the wives and little ones would be sitting- 
over a lew coals of fire contemplating their wretched 
condition, with scarcely a ray of hope for the future, with 
no refuge to fly to except to Him who heareth in secret. 

Oh ! how many broken-hearted wi\es have poured forth 
their bitter cries for help in His Almighty ear and told 
their tale of sorrow and inquired of Him, " How long, O 
Lord, how long shall this state of things last?" Well, 
their prayers ha\e i)een answered, but not in stopping the 
vender from his wholesale ruin of men, women and chil- 
dren ; not in restoring to her former condition of happiness 
and joy that mother who was being murdered by piece 
meal; not in restoring to hope and cheerfulness the 
forlorn condition of the little children. Hut their prayers 
have been answered in another way. Time rolled on and 
brought its changes. The \ender with his victims have 
passed away to a future reckoning, and to that tribunal 
whose decisions are in righteousness. 

If I could, 1 would call the vender back and inquire of 
him who they are that accuse him before the throne, for 
their name is legion. There was no material change 
in society upon the sui)ject of temperance until 1835, 
when the Re\-. .Mr. Dorsey of the Baltimore conference 
of the Methodist I-^piscopal Church came down here and 
lectured upon that subject, and organized a temperance 
societv. That society only fori ade the use of spirituous 



Foririerly Neio Town. 165 

liquors as a beverage. Up to this time all the stores sold 
spirituous liquors. The first one to break ground and 
give up the sale of it was Rev. John D. Long who was 
at that time but a youth not having arrived to his majority. 
He had but recently joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and listening to the lecture became convinced that 
the sale of it was wrong and determined to give up the 
practice forthwith. It is true that Mr. Long sold goods at 
the ferry, now the bridge, on the identical spot where the 
phospate factory now stands, but I associate him, in this 
instance, with New Town, because he was a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church here, because his 
associations were here, and because he was identified 
with the temperance movement in New Town. He was 
telling a \-eteran ]\Iethodist of his determination to quit 
selHng liquor, when the old soldier said to him "Brother 
Long if it is wrong for you to sell it, it is wrong for me to 
distil it." Forthwith they abandoned the manufacture and 
sale of it. The temperance cause now began to be agitated 
in New Town. 

In 1836, Wm. Townsend opened the first store for the 
sale of goods, without spirituous liquors, in new Town. 
After awhile the old Washingtonian club of reformed 
drunkards, which was organized in the City of Baltimore, 
began to create a stir in favor of temperance. Some of 
their number came down here and lectured. Thus the 
temperance cause progressed until the organization of the 
Sons of Temperance, in 1847. The Sons of Temperance 



ICO IListortj of Focoinoke City, 

was also a beneficial society, it prospered lor a while and 
seemed to be well adapted to the circumstances of the 
times. During- its palmy days, the society built a fine 
temperance hall, which at present is owned by C. C. Lloyd, 
Esq., and has been occupied by him, as a drug store, for 
several years past. The upper story was in one entire 
room, and was occupied by the society. The lower room 
was fitted for store purposes, and was first occupied by 
Irving Merrill, Esq., who sold goods on strictly temper- 
ance principles. The society had placed in the gable end 
of the building a marble slab, with the lollovving carved 
upon it : " New Town Division, Number 43, Sons of Tem- 
perance, instituted March 29th, 1847 :" which still exists 
as a monument of the prosperity of the temperance cause 
at that day. This society existed, however, but a few years, 
when it was dissolved and the beautiful temple was sold, 
and went into other hands. 

In 1870, another temperance society was organized in 
New Town, with the name of Good Templars. This society 
was also of short duration, it existed al:)Out two years, when 
it also became extinct. 

From 1872 to 1881, there has been no regular temper- 
ance society in New Town, now Pocomoke City. During 
1881, a society was organized in the place, in support of 
Local Option Reform, and the friends of temperance are 
mustering their forces for victory. But while temperance 
societies have been organized and dissolved, it only shows 
that the war, for the extirpation of spirituous liquors, in 



Forinerli) New Town. 167 

Pocomoke City, has been going on without any com- 
promise. The churches also have kept up the war 
cry and are pressing liard upon this demon ol de- 
struction, and they are forcing him, by the power of the 
Gospel, to surrender. If the question should be asked by 
a stranger, what are the signs of complete victory for the 
cause of temperance in Pocomoke City ? This question 
will be answered in the following way : whereas, in 1836, 
every store in New Town sold spirituous liquors, now in 
1882, there are thirty-two business houses in Pocomoke 
City, and not one of them sells it except the apothecaries 
who sell it as a medicine. So thorough has been the 
revolution in society, upon the subject of temperance, that 
I might venture the prediction that there is no one who 
could, now, succeed in merchandising, in Pocomoke City, 
who would also sell liquor. It is true that there are two 
places in Pocomoke City where spirituous liquors are sold 
as a beverage, one is a saloon the other is the hotel bar, 
but the friends of temperance, I am apprehensive, will not 
cease their efforts until these places will be so restricted by- 
legislation that it will not pay to sell it. 



168 History of PvcornoJie City, 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

SCHOOLS. 

The schools are a very important factor in making up 
the history of New Town, now Pocomokc City, and I 
have no doubt a description of the school in its early 
history, together with the school-house, will be cjuite 
interesting. The school-house was sixteen square ; it had 
two doors and two windows, and there was a writing desk 
which reached nearly across the room, and benches with- 
out backs for the scholars to sit upon. This school-house 
stood on a piece of ground facing on Second and Cedar 
Streets, about twenty feet on Second Street and running 
down Cedar Street about seventy-five feet to the junction 
ot Captain John H. Clarke's and Captain Jas. M. ^'oung's 
lines. This piece of ground belongs to the heirs of Wm 
J. Long, deceased. It formerly belonged to David Long, 
the falher of William J. Long, and he charged twenty-five 
cents rent for it. which was done simply to hold jiosses- 
sion of it. The old school-house stood on this piece of 
ground and was occupied for .school purposes until 1837 or 
1838, when it was sold and went into (jther hands. If the 
youthful reader is anxious to see the old school-lunise in 
which their parents and grand-parents were educated, they 



Formerly Neio Town. IGl) 

will find it occupied as a kitchen at the corner of Com- 
merce and Walnut Streets, the property being owned by 
Thomas S. Stevenson, Esq. The only teachers of whom 
I have any information or knowledge in the early history 
of New Town were : George Furnis, a Mr. McFaclden, 
Levi Bishop, Samuel Carey, Michael Murray, Dr. John 
B. H. W. Clarvoe and James Stevenson. These were all 
good teachers of the branches of education which they 
taught. The different branches taught were letters, 
spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic. When a scholar 
•could cipher through Pike's Arithmetic, understandingly, 
he was considered a finished scholar in that school. 

Steel pens were not then invented and writing was done 
with pens made out of goose quills. It was one part of 
the teacher's duties to make pens for the scholars, and 
when scholars had learned sufficiently to make a pen out 
of a goose quill, they were advancing finely. Although 
the teachers of this school taught but few of the branches 
of common English comparatively, yet so thorough was 
the training that there are but few now, if any, who would 
.surpass the scholars of that school in these branches. The 
boys in that school would sometimes have a little fun, 
sometimes with the teacher and sometimes with each other. 
For instance : the scholars had to get lessons in the defi- 
nitions in the spelling book, this they called grammar. 
Some v.-ho had to get those lessons and recite them to the 
teacher had been out too long, at play, they would resort 
io the older scholars to put them through in a hurry. 



170 Illstortj of Pocomoke City, 

"Well!" says the advisor:" when you ^o up to say 
your lesson commcMicing with ball a round substance, you' 
say b-a-1-1, cattle or horses." In these lessons the scholar- 
was required to spell the word and define it. The time 
tor recitation came. "Weill'' says the teacher, "com- 
mence ! " scholar : b-a-double-1 ball." Teacher. Well !' 
what does that sif^nify ? " Scholar : "cattle or horses."' 
Teacher. "Cattle or horses!" Scholar. "Yes sir. 
Cattle or horses!" The teacher ha\ing his black gum 
switch by his side commenced giving it to him che-wi-o,. 
che-\vi-o, until he had given him a good sound thrashing, 
and then sent him to his seat to get his lesson better. 

In 1835, (George vS. Redden, Esq., commenced teaching 
school here. He taught, in addition to the other branches 
w^hich had been taught, English grammar and geography. 
With, him dates the beginning or introduction of these- 
branches of education in the school in New Town, and 
with him begins, also, the day of progress in the pursuit of 
scholarly attainments. 

IMr. Redden taught school in New Town at two difterent 
periods, but how long I cannot say. He was born in New 
Town, in 1803, after going to school until he was old 
enough to go to a trade, he was then apprenticed to Jacob- 
Rogers, in the City of Baltimore, to learn the hatting bus- 
iness. While he was an apprentice he went to a night 
school, taught by Mr. Kirkham, author of Kirkham's 
grammar. After his majority, he commenced the hatting 
business in New Town. How long he continued I have no, 



I'ormerly New Town. 171 

definite knowledge, but probably not more than two years, 
after which he returned to Baltimore and continued there 
until 1835, when he returned again to New Town, and 
commenced as before stated, to teach school. After he 
gave up the school in this place, he taught in the schools 
on the Western Shore of Maryland and in the Academy 
in Snow Hill, during which time he read law, graduated 
and practiced at the Snow Hill Bar. 

Mr. Redden was one of the most intellectual young men 
of his day, that was raised in New Town. He died in the 
City of Baltimore about the year 1868, aged sixty-five 
years. Dr. John L. Hearn succeeded Mr. Redden. As 
I have given a history of Dr. Hearn under another head- 
ing, I will here pass him by. 

In 1838, the old Academy was built and Dr. William 
Marsters was employed to take charge of the school. He 
remained, however, but a short time, and afterwards settled 
near Ouantico, in Somerset County, now Wicomico County, 
and graduated in medicine and practiced till he died, which 
event occurred but recently. A Mr. Schooler succeeded 
Dr. Marsters and taught in the Academy until, probably, 
1842, v/hen he resigned the position and went away. Of 
his antecedents I ha\'e no data upon which to write his 
history. 

Nehemiah Holland succeeded Mr. Schooler, and taught 
school two or three years. He finally resigned the posi- 
tion on account of feeble health, and went South. He 
setded in Texas, where he read law, graduated and 



172 Hutory of Pocomoke Cit>j^ 

practiced his protessioii until liis death, which c\ent 
occurred but recently. Mr. Holland was a native of Wor- 
cester County, Md., and a brother of Mrs. L.Jane Dennis, 
widow oi the late John U. Dennis, of this county. He 
was a j^raduateof Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Holland was a christian gentleman in the highest sense 
of that term. I ha\e already stated that George S. 
Redden taught two terms in New Town, his second term 
followed Mr. Holland, then followed in succession : Mr. 
McGarry, George W. Curtis, C. C Holtzman, Edward W. 
Stevenson, J. Allen Graves, Dr. Joseph L. Mills and Rev. 
Joseph L. Polk. During Mr. Polk's charge of the 
Academy, the High School Building was erected, which 
was in 1867. The Academy was occupied for school pur- 
poses twenty-nine years, when it was sold and went into 
other hands. It is at jxesent owned by Ralph Ross, Esq., 
and is occupied as a carpenter shop, on Commerce Street. 
Messrs. McGarrey, Curtis and Holtzman were strangers of 
whose antecedents I have no knowledge, and consequently 
can only say of Mr. McGarrey and Mr. Holtzman that 
they were good teachers ; but of Mr. Curtis I have this to 
say : that it was conceded, by the citizens of New Town, 
that he was the best teacher that had taught school in New 
Town up to his day. He did not, however, continue long- 
in New Town. He finally removed to Harford County, 
Maryland, where he established a school of high grade, 
preparatory for college, and is principal of the same to 
.the present day. Edward W. vSte\'enson succeeded Mr. 



Formerly New Town. VIZ 

Holtzman and taught school in the Academy for nine 
years. Mr. Stevenson is a native of New Town. He 
received his education partly in New Town and pardy in 
the Snow Hill Academy. After he resigned his position as 
teacher in the New Town Academy, he moved to Phila- 
delphia where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. After 
being there ibr sometime, he .removed to Marietta, Ohio, 
where he still resides and is still engaged in mercantile 
business. Mr. Stevenson is a man of high moral 
character, and is living to bless the present generation 
with a fine family of prosperous children, who will 
no doubt make their mark in due time. 

J. Allen Graves succeeded Mr. Stevenson in the princi- 
palship of New Town Academy. How long he occupied 
the position I cannot say, and of whose history I have no 
information, consequently I can only say that he was an 
acceptable teacher. 

Dr. Joseph L. Mills succeeded Mr. Graves in the 
Academy. He was born in New Town, Md. in 1840. He 
was left at an early day without father or mother, but was 
tenderly and carefully raised by his grandmother. He 
had all the ad\'antages of education in the New Town 
Academy, until he was old enough to go to a trade. His 
grandmother then placed him under the care of James 
T. Dickinson of this place to learn the cabinet and under- 
taking business. Some time after his majority he was 
united in marriage to Miss Marietta Dickinson, daughter 
of James T. Dickinson. At an early day Mr. Mills 



174 History of Pocomoke Citij, 

connected himself with the Methodist Protestant Church, 
and it was not long before the Church discovered that he 
had talents lying dormant that ought to be called into 
exercise, and soon he was licensed to preach, and after- 
wards was received in the Maryland Annual Conference of 
the Methodist Protestant Church as a traveling preacher. 
He had not traveled long, howe\-er, before his health failed 
and he was induced to retire from the active work for 
awhile. It was during this retirement that we ha\e him 
before us as principal of the New Town Academy. He 
had for his assistants, his w^ife Mrs. Marietta I^Iills and 
Miss Mary M. Hearn. It was under his tutelage that the 
school seemed to spring into new life, and some of the 
scholars learned as they never had before. He did not, 
however, teach more than, probably, two years, when his 
health was sufficiently restored to enter again the active 
work of the ministry. Dr. Mills is quite a popular preacher 
in his denomination; he has filled several prominent 
appointments in that church, and he had, several years ago 
for distinguished abilities, the Doctor of Divinity confered 
upon him. Dr. Mills is yet, but in the prime of his life 
and reflects great credit upon his birth place. 

There were two other schools in New Town beside the 
Academy, one was the Parish School, which was under 
the supervision and control of the Rector of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church. It was organized in 1847. This school 
was taught severally by the following ladies, Mrs. Lore, 
the Misses Magruder, Mary O'Dell, Mary Canon, Jennie 



Formerly New Towri. 175 

Adams, Mary Crosdale and Clementine Mezick. All 
competent and faithful teachers. The other school was 
•organized in 1855. It was gotten up in view of the Academy 
being over crowded with scholars, and it was also thought 
to be more suitable for girls and smaller boys. This 
school was taught severally by the following persons, 
Mrs. Re\'. William Merrill, Mrs. Leach J. Stewart, the 
Misses Emma Huston, Cynthia Primrose, Serena Hall, 
Rose Humphries, Mary E. Truitt, Millie Stevenson, 
Nettie Clay\'ille and Rev. William Wilkinson. These 
were all well qualified as teachers, some of them being- 
graduates of Seminaries. 



]?<> Hidorii of Pocoiiioke City^ 



XWIII. 

SCHOOLS (CONIINUKD.) 

U\ 1S65, The General A^senil^ly ot Maryland passed ;r 
i^eneral free school bill lor the state, and in -1867, the 
High School Building, in New Town, was erected. Its 
dimensions were fifty-six. by forty feet. It is two stories 
high, with two \estil)u]es fourteen by twenty feet, contain- 
ing in all six school rooms and two \estibules. Four 
of these rooms are twenty eight by forty feet, and two of 
them are tburteen l)y twenty leet, and will furnish sittings 
for, probably, three hundred scholars. This High School 
Ikiilding has been pronounced, by the Superintendent 
of the Public Schools of Maryland to be the finest building 
of the kind on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It stands 
on a ])lat of ground of about three acres, in an eligible 
l)art of the town. It is well laid out with trees of difterent 
kinds, and is enclosed with a plank fence, with a good 
hedge coming on. The Irqe public High School of New 
Town was opened in 1S67, with Rev. Joseph L. Polk as 
principal. His successors in that office were, William N. 
Page, R. K. Wimbrough and Dr. Sidney W. Handy who is 
the ])resent ])rinci])al. They ha\e had the following named 
persons associated w ilh lluin as assistant teachers. Xettie 



Forinerhj Neio Toxon. 177 

O'Daniel, Mary M. Hearn, Charles H. Council, Millie 
Primrose, John W. Murray, George S. Bell, Eudora E. 
Hay, Ebenezer Hearn, Julius T. Hall, Richard A. Wilson 
Fannie Matthews, Maggie Webb, Rose Tull, Hillary T. 
Stevenson, John S. McMaster, William S. Dix, Emma 
Robinson, Ella Scott, Rose Marshall and Sally Henderson. 
The school is graded into primary, grammar and High 
School departments, and is at present taught by the 
principal and five assistant teachers, who are infusing a 
spirit into their scholars, to excel. 

There have already gone out, fi'om this school, young 
men well qualified for any position to which any of the 
various callings of life might invite them. Some are 
ministers, some physicians, some lawyers and some teachers. 
While there are others filling the most important places of 
trust and responsibility in business life. Many of the 
young ladies, who have graduated at this school, are 
teaching various schools in this and the adjoining county. 

I shall close the subject of the High School and the 
grand work it is performing, by giving a brief sketch of 
the principal and teachers, or make such remarks in 
regard to them as 1 may be able. The Re\-. Joseph L. 
Polk, was born near Princess Anne, in Somerset County, 
Md and was educated in the academy of that place, and 
at Jefferson College, Penn. After graduating at the latter 
place with honor, the degree of A. M. was confered upon 
him. He then commenced teaching school in Dorchester 
County, Md; but feeling that he was called to preach the 



178 History of Pocomoke Cit'j^ 

gospel, he entered the theological seminary at Princeton, 
N. J., where he remained for two years, when he received 
a unanimous call to become the Pastor of the Pitts Creek, 
Presbyterian Church at New Town, Md. To this work 
he Q-ave his earnest and ardent efforts, and was \ ery 
successful. 

When the New Town High School was established in 
its new and handsome buildings, Mr. Polk desirous of 
seeing the cause of education ])laced upon a higher and 
more advanced plane, was induced to apply for the position 
of principal, to which he was appointed by the County 
Board of School Commissioners. For this position he was 
peculiarly fitted, ha\'ing a deep interest in the young, and 
being a natural educator and fond of the work, and withal 
a man of large public spirit, he entered upon this work 
with energy and zeal. Being aided by a competent corps 
of teachers, this school was at once placed in the front rank 
and was soon recognized as the best organized and most 
successful school on the P^astern Shore. Parents from the 
adjoining counties and some from a distance recognized 
the character of the school, and wishing to have their 
children under its instruction, availed themselves of this 
opportunity, and the school increased in numbers until 
over three hundred puj)ils names were on the school 
registers. Then it became necessary to enlarge the corps 
of teachers and two or tlu'cc more assistants were added. 
To Re\-. Josei:)h P. Polk the citizens of Pocomc^ke City 
and \i(^inity owe more perb.aps than they are aware of, 



Formerly New Town. 179 

for while the work of education went graduall}^ on without 
ostentation or display on his part, it is a f ict that whatever 
success has attained by and through this institution, it is 
due largely to his ability, and to his wise and judicious 
management in the organization andconductof the school. 
As a minister he was popular and greatly beloved by his 
church. After serving them faithfully for seventeen years he 
was urged to take charge of the Academy at Newark, Del., 
and he ielt constrained by a sense of duty to his growing- 
family to resign his charge and accept the proifered 
position. Mr. Wm. N. Page succeeded Mr. Polk as prin' 
cipal of the High School. He, however, only remained 
one year in that position. He was a native of Virginia ; 
he had a fine education and was a high-toned Christian 
gentleman. After resigning the position he returned to 
Virginia again. 

In 1872, Mr. Richard K. Wimbrough succeeded AJr. 
Page in the principalship of the High School and held that 
position for three years. Richard Kelly Wimbrough, the 
son of a respectable farmer, was born in Accomac County, 
Va-, in the year 1843. At an early age he lost both of 
his parents and came under the guardian care of Mr. 
Nehemiah W. Nock, a farmer and merchant of Mappsville 
in Accomac County. This gentleman took young Mr. 
Wimbrough tCKii\'e with him, treated him with great kind- 
ness and sent him to school whenever there happened to 
be any school open near enough for him to attend. At 
ten years of age he had him apprenticed in Snow Hill, 



ISO Ilistonj of PocomoKc Citij^ 

Md., to learn the trade of a tailor. Nothing- was observed 
at this time either in the young apprentice's conduct or 
disposition that indicated for himself a career different from 
that of other boys of his class and circumstances • in other 
words, it was supposed he would make a tailor simply. 
But shordy after he accjuired a great fondness for reading 
and developed an earnest disposition to study. From the 
Academy boys who used to frequent "the shop" and 
often prepare their lessons there, he obtained books, the 
boys becoming his teachers. But no time was gi\-en him 
for study ; his method was this : While working on the 
board he would keep his book propped open at his side, 
at whose jeweled page glancing from time to time he 
would glean from it the substance his young ambition so 
much cra\cd. All spare moments, too, were given to 
study. In winter he would sit up long after " working 
hours " aud often with no other light than that furnished 
l)y the door of the store, he would pore over page after 
page of spelling, I'^nglish grammar, arithmetic, geography 
or history, regardless of the lateness of the hour or the 
labors of the ensuing day. In this way these studies were 
successtully pursued and that foundation laid upon which 
was leased afterwards, effected by the same unremitting- 
toil and diligence, a fine classical education. 

In the meantime occured an event which would have 
been of the greatest benefit to Mr. Wimbrough if his 
influence toward securing it had been ecjual to the measure 
of his (l('ser\ing it. A free Scliolarship became \-acant in 



Formerly Neio Toimi. 181 

Washington College, a state institution situated at Chester- 
town. It was to be filled by a eompetitive examination of 
the candidates. Many of young Wimbrough's friends 
being desirous that he should become a candidate and 
promising aid to secure his release from his indentures if 
he should be successful, he applied for the position. The 
contestants came from the several academies of the 
county, fresh from their books and their teacher's instruc- 
tions ; young Wimbrough came from "the shop." But 
by some ill luck, although it was known that the result of 
his examination was not inferior, he did not receive the 
appointment- It w'as a sad blow to his hopes, but did not 
check his ardent eagerness for learning- He went back 
to "the shop" and his books, to try again. Another 
opportunity might occur, he would be prepared the next 
time. But no such ever occured : his college goal had to 
be reached by means wholly of his own making. These 
efforts, directed in the way I have described, could not 
fail to attract notice and win friends. His intimate 
associates were the more advanced students among the 
academy boys, w^ho now one, now an other had been 
mainly, his teachers. The older men, too, often spoke 
kind and encouraging words. But his most valuable 
friend was found in Mr. Sewell T. Milbourn, a young man 
ot superior talents and of high social position, w^ho had 
recently returned to Snow^ Hill, from Dickinson College 
where he had graduated with distinction. This young- 
man became his friend and teacher, inspiring him by his 



1 82 Jlistorij of Pocomoke City^ 

own Icarniii!^- and giving time and personal care to his 
instructions. The influence of this connection was of 
the greatest service to young Winibrough, as it enabled 
him to pursue those higher branches, — Latin and Greek, 
algebra, geometry and higher English, which he was soon 
to turn to a practical use. In 1859, his health broke down; 
so that he was unable either to work or study. A plan 
was therefore arranged by which he might purchase the 
remaining years of his apprenticeship. With some means 
he had in his guardian's hands this was done ; after which he 
was free to pursue his studies exclusively. But for a long- 
time he remained delicate and was unable to make much 
progress. In 1861, Mr. Milbourn removed to Cambridge, 
Dorchester County to practice law. Thither, the next 
year, Mr. Wimbrough, now a young man of nineteen, 
followed, and engaged in the teaching of a pri\ate school, 
in which he was so successful that after a year and a half 
he was elected principal of the Cambridge Academy. In 
this he was equally successful, but resigned after two years 
to take charge of a goverment office connected with the 
Internal Revenue; engaging at the same time in conduct- 
ing a newspaper, the Cambridge Herald, of which he was 
both proprietor and editor. In 1867, ha\ing disposed of 
his paper, he went to Dickinson College, where he entered 
the Junior class thereby graduating in two years. As an 
evidence of how well he had studied in former years, 
besides the fact that he was able to pass over the first 
tt\'o vears of the college c(nn-se, he was noted in College 



Formerly New Toicn. 183 

for his accurate knowledge of the English language and 
unusual proficiency for a student, in Latin; on account ol 
which he was allowed optional attendance in that department 
during the whole of the junior year. He was graduated 
a Bachelor of Arts in 1869, and took the Master's degree 
three years after. Since graduating, Mr. Wimbrough has 
engaged mosly in teaching. 

He was elected principal of the New Town High 
School in 1872, continuing in the same till 1875, a period 
of three years. Afterw^ards he was principal of. the Snow 
Hill High School for four years. As an instructor Mr. 
Wimbrough is thorough, earnest and capable. From his 
life gleams this great truth : "Honor and fame from no 
condition rise : act well your part ; there all the honor 
Hes." 

Re^^ Joseph L. Polk succeeded Mr. Wimbrough in the 
High School and continued in the position until 1877, 
when he resigned, and was succeeded by Dr. Sidney W. 
Handy. 

Dr. Handy was appointed principal of the High School 
in Pocomoke City in the fall of 1877 and has continued in 
that position to the present. Dr. Sidney W. Handy was 
born in Somerset County, Md., on the 4th day of October, 
1845. He was educated partly in his native county and at 
the Columbian College in Washington, D. C, at which 
latter place he went through a four years college course" 
and graduated in 1868. He attended the first course of 
lectures in medicine at the University of Virginia in 1869 



IS-i History of Pocomoke City, 

and 1870, and the second at the Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia. Penn., graduating in 1872. Dr. Handy, 
although a graduate in medicine, has never practiced his 
profession, choosing rather the position of an educator as 
being more in accordance with his intellectual taste. In 
his wise and judicious management of the High School he 
is meeting the highest expectations of the Trustees and 
Board of Education who ha\e placed him there, and is at 
once a scholar and a Christian gentleman. 



Formerly New Tovm. 185 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

SCHOOLS (COXTIXUl'.D.) 

Mrs. Nettie O'Daniel was a native of Wilmington, Del,, 
-where she received a liberal public school education, and 
iaught in the public schools of that city and in Pocomoke 
City High School, in Wyoming College, Del., and in 
Colorado. Mrs. O'Daniel was a lady of fine accomplish- 
ments and showed herself to great advantage in the school 
room as an educator. 

Miss Mary M. Hearn was also one of the first assistants 
in the High School. She was born in New Town, Md., 
•on the 1 6th day of July, 1848. She went to school until 
she was fifteen years of age, after that she was educated 
by her father, Dr. John L. Hearn, at home. She was well 
qualified as a teacher and taught in the High School for 
nine years, when her health compelled her, by incessant 
application, to resign her position. Indeed, her feeble 
constitution was so v;orn down that although she continued 
teaching until vacation, then she yielded shortly after to 
the inevitable and passed away. Her death occurred 
Aug. 24th, 1875. Miss Hearn had a fine mind and an 
amiable disposition. She was raised right and adorned 
iier name with a life worthy of imitation. 



186 History of Pocoinohe City, 

Charles H. Council, I{s(|., is a nati\e of Southampton. 
County, \^a. He was educated at Richmond College,. 
Virginia, and at Columbian College, D. C, at which latter- 
place ho graduated. He taught school ten years in Vir- 
ginia before he came to this county. After coming here 
he taught two years at McMaster's School-house, two 
years at Pitt's Creek School-house, and has been engaged 
in the High School for about nine years, in ^vhich he is 
still engaged teaching. 

Mrs. Millie Primrose, daughter of Thomas F. Ste\enson,. 
Esq., was born at Snow Hill, i\Id., and was educated at 
the Academy of that place. In 1869, she entered the 
High School of Pocomoke City as teacher of a i)rimary 
class, and continued in that capacity until 1873 ; when she 
succeeded ]\Iiss Eudora V.. Hay in the grammar class, and 
has continued teacher of that room until the present. 

Mrs. Primrose is a lady of fine accomplishments and 
an efficient teacher. As an evidence ol her efficiency, I 
will mention the fact, that she has been teaching in the 
High vSchool in Pocomoke City for thirteen years, nine 
years of which she has been in charge of the (irannnar 
vSchool Departnient without a ri\al for the position. An 
interesting item of rare occurrence, in connection with 
Mrs. Primrose is here inserted. She is a member of a 
family of five persons, representing five generations, and 
each one being the first born of each generation; their 
state and ages are as follows : Great Grand Father, 86 ; 
Grand Father, 66 ; Cirand Mother, 64 ; Mother, 42 ; Son. 



Formerly Neio Town. 187 

1 7; their ages aggregating 276 years, all living in the same 
house, and all enjoying good health. 

John W. Murray succeeded Mrs. O' Daniel as teacher of 
the grammar school department in the High School of 
Pocomokc City. He was born in New Town, Worcester 
County, Md., on the 13th day of November, 1848. From 
his infancy he was delicate in health. He was educated at 
the Academy and High School of Pocomoke City, and at 
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn. He had an ambition 
to excel; he was studious and with a close application, 
made great progress in learning. He not only studied at 
school, but at home ; also, he was the last member of the 
family to retire at night, and the first to arise in the morn- 
ing poring over his books. John was also a lover of 
home, and never seemed happier than when in the society 
of his mother. Touching remembrances of him come up 
before me as 1 write this article, which brings the tear 
unbidden from its place. Frequently in the family we 
would be discussing the subject of the hard struggles for an 
honorable livelihood, and the various casualties to. which 
we might be subjected, when John would exclaim : "Moth- 
er," said he, *'I intend to take care of you." To illustrate 
his industry I will mention an incident which has always 
been a great satisfaction to me. 

At a certain commencement, the scholars as was always 
the case, had their pieces to get by heart against the day 
of exhibition. On the day appointed the large building 
was crowded. John's turn came to speak. The piece 



18S History of Pocomoke City^ 

assigned him was a declamation of a Roman Cieneral 
before the Roman Senate. As he approached the rostrum 
the principal remarked to the large audience that "Mr. 
Murray had only two weeks to translate that speech into 
English and commit it to memory besides attending to his 
other regular studies. He made the speech successfully, 
and in leaving the stand and while walking down the aisle 
to his seat, I noticed the eyes of all were upon him. I 
felt prouder that day to be the father of such a young 
man than the possessor of millions of money. After 
teaching at Stockton and in the High School in Pocomoke 
City, he went to Dickinson College to finish his education* 
for he was ambitious to graduate with nothing short of the 
highest honors conferred upon a completion of a college 
course ; but here his strength failed him, and he had to 
give up the struggle. He went to Arkansas to regain his 
health, but the trip only helped to shorten his days. He 
came home to his native place and lingered for two years 
with that fatal disease, Consumption, when, like the 
evening zephyr that hushes into silence at nightfall, he 
passed away in hope of a blissful immortality on the 27th 
day of April, 1873, in the 25th year of his age. 

Eulogies ha\'e been heaped upon him. After he received 
his certificate from the School Board of the county the 
examiner was in Pocomoke City and said he was an honor 
to his parents and a credit to his native town. One who 
was associated with him in school and knew well his 
knowledge of Latin and (ireek, said to me that John could 



Formerly New Town. 189 

read Latin as fluently as he could read English. The 
principal of the High School and the president of Dickin- 
son College both spoke to me in high terms of his intellect 
and his acquirements. His text books of English, Latin, 
Greek, French and German, which I still keep as remi- 
niscenes of him, remind me of the long hours he would be 
poring over them. 



190 History of Pocomoke City, 



CHAPTER XXX. 

SCHOOLS (CONTINUED.) 

George S. Bell, Esq., was an assistant in the New Town 
High School. He was born in Northampton County, 
Va. He was educated at Snow Hill and Pocomoke City, 
Md., at Newark College, Del., and at the Theological 
Seminary, Princeton, N. J. He was licensed to preach 
the gospel by the New Castle Presbytery about the year 
1875. He supplied a pulpit in the State of New York 
and afterward received a call to the Presbyterian Church 
in Wrightsville, Penn., which he is now acceptably filling. 
Mr, Bell was a close student, had a good mind and has 
reflected a credit upon himself in view of his elevation. 

Miss Eudora E. Hay succeeded John W. Murray as 
teacher of the grammar school department in the High 
School of Pocomoke City, and continued in that relation 
for two years when she retired, and afterward procured 
a situation as teacher in the schools of Wilmington, Del. 

Ebenezer llearn was born in New Town, Worcester 
County, Md., on the 26th day of November, 1854. He 
commenced going to school at 8 years ot age. Left 
school in July, 1873. Served as an assistant to the princi- 
pal of the High School in 1874. Engaged in mercantile 



Formerly New Town. 191 

business with E. H. Clarke from 1874 to 1877. In 1877, 
he received an appointment from the Trustees of 
Rehoboth Academy, in Somerset County, as principal 
which position he still holds, and that school is recognized 
by the school board of Somerset County, as one of the 
best schools in the county. Ebenezer Hearn is a young 
man in whose favor it would be difficult for me to say 
too much. His mental, moral and religious qualities 
are of such a character as to entitle him to the highest 
praise of all who know him, and to positions of trust 
•and responsibility. 

Richard A. Wilson, an assistant to the principal of the 
High School in Pocomoke City, was a native of Cannons- 
burg, Penn. He was educated at Jefferson College. He 
studied law, graduated and removed to Missouri, where 
he is now practicing law. 

Miss Fannie Matthews is a native of Accomac County, 
Va. Her parents died while she was quite young, and 
she was taken in charge by her aunt, Miss Jane Porter, 
who is living in the City of Baltimore, and there in the 
Western High School she was educated. In 1873, a 
A^acancy being open in the High School of Pocomoke 
City, Miss Fannie was appointed to fill that \acancy, and, 
during the seven years of her instructions, which closed 
up with 1 88 1, she exhibited such wisdom in the instruc- 
tion of her class, as caused it to be said that her place in 
the school would be hard to fill. By her adaptation r.s a 
:teacher she has gained the highest respect of the trustees 



1J):2 ILhtori) <\f Pocomoke City, 

of the lli.^h School, and as a lady she is known only to be 
esteemed. There is no one upon whom she has made 
a more indelible impression in this direction than the 
principal of the High School. Indeed she contemplated,, 
very seriously, too, a change of name, and finally 
concluded that she was tired of her old name and would 
accept of one that was more handy and she became the 
happy bride of Dr. Sidney W. Handy, principal of the 
High School of Pocomoke City. 

John S. McMaster was born in New Town, on the 29tb 
day of December, 1859. He was educated partly at the 
High School in Pocomoke City, partly at Newark College,. 
Del., and is finishing his education at Lafayette College,, 
Penn., where he will no doubt graduate with honor. Mr. 
McMaster is a young man of promise; his aim is the 
])rofession of the law as his Hfe work. He will make his 
mark and be an honor to his name and to his native town. 
As a teacher in ihe High School, he acquitted himself 
with honor. 

William S. Dix is a native of Accomac County, Va., but 
his father moving to Somerset County, Md., he w^as 
educated at the Washington Academy, near Princess 
Anne, and at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn. At the 
time Mr. Dix went to the Washington Academy it was a 
school of renown, having for its principal the Rev. Francis 
Waters, D.D., a man of celebrity. After he resigned the 
Rev. Robert M. Laird, a Presbyterian minister, was 
appointed j)rincipal in his place, having the Hon. Isaac D. 



Formerly New Town. 103 

Jones for an assistant. Mr. Dix engaged as teacher in the 
High School of New Town in 1875, and for six consecu- 
tive years he continued in that capacity, when at the close 
of the school term in 18S1, he retired from the school. 
Mr. Dix is a man of high moral worth and he has the 
respect of all who know him as a christian gentleman. 

Hilary T. Stevenson and Dr. Julius T. Hall were teach- 
ers in the New Town High School, but as I have taken 
notice of them under another heading, I shall here pass 
them by. 

The Misses Maggie Webb, Rose Tull, Emma Robinson, 
Ella Scott, Rose Marshall and Sallie Henderson were all 
good and efficient teachers. The last three named are 
still teaching in the High School. In closing up this 
account of the High School in Pocomoke City I will state 
that there are on the school roll in regular attendance 
235 scholars. 

I have failed to notice heretofore two of our young men 
of promise and consequently will have to notice them here. 

Edward J. Clarke, son ol Littleton T. Clarke, deceased, 
was born in New Town on the istday of September, i860. 
After the death of his father, which event occurred when 
he was but six years of age, the Rev. John W. Pierson 
being an intimate friend of his father and taking a liking 
to the youth, by the consent of his mother, took him into 
his own family and under his own guardian care to raise and 
educate him. He remained with Mr. Pierson until he was 
sixteen years of age, during which time he was schooled 



194 IlistoTij of Pocomoke City, 

at the Academy in Snow Hill and Pocomoke City High 
School. At the age of sixteen he entered St. John's 
College, Annapolis, Md., where he remained live years. 
At the age of twenty-one he graduated, standing well up 
in his class. After this he taught school at Whaleyville, 
Worcester County, ]Md., one year. He is now employed 
as teacher in the High vSchool of Pocomoke City. Mr. 
Clarke is a young man of promise and with applica- 
tion will make his mark. 

Austin H. Merrill, son of William H. S. Aferrill, was 
born in New Town on the ist day of June, 1859. He was 
a student in the High School of this place until he was 
eighteen years of age, at which time he entered the Dela- 
ware College at New Ark, Del. His education at this 
period was sufficient to justify his entering the Sophomore 
Class. He graduated with the first honor, taking the 
degree of A. H., and chosen valedictorian of his class. He 
taught school two years as princi])al of the Teir.perance- 
ville Graded School. He then entered the National School 
of Elocution and Oratory in Philadelphia, Penn., where 
he graduated with honor. Mr. Merrill is just entering the 
arena of public life, ha\ing in contemplation the law as his 
life work, and with application on his part and no unfore- 
seen event haj)pening to blast the fond hopes of his friends, 
he will, it is anticipated, be the i)eer of the first jurists of 
Maryland and of whom his friends and the citizens of 
Pocomoke City have just cause to feel proud. 

The school for the education of colored children in 
Pocomoke City was established dirccdy after the free 



Formerly Neio Tovni. 195 

school system became a law in the State. This school 
has been kept up ever since, and is to-day a graded school 
of primary and grammar school departments. There are 
on the school roll 117 scholars. The school is taught by 
a principal and one assistant. These teachers are quite 
efficient and the school is advancing. 

The principal, David W. Ogden, is a native of New 
Jersey. He attended a primary and grammer school in 
that State until he was sixteen years of age, v/hen he 
entered Lincoln University, in Chester County, Penn. 
After applying himself closely for five years, he graduated 
with honor in 1880. 

The following is the basis upon which the colored 
school is sustained. The school receives from the county 
the proportion of county taxes paid by the colored people 
in the county, which amounts to about eleven cents on the 
one hundred dollars. In addition to this the State makes 
a special appropriation of §100,000 annually for all the 
schools throughout the State, of which Worcester County 
receives about $3,600. 



196 History of Pocomoke City, 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



CHURCHES. 

As the churches are a very important factor in the 
history ol Pocomoke City, it will be necessary, in 
order to give an intelligent showing of each church, 
to take them up in the order of time in which they 
were established, and bring their history down to the pre- 
sent time. As the Methodist Episcopal Church is the 
first one of which we have any record, we will begm with 
it first. But before we proceed with the history of this 
church it will be necessary and proper to remark that it 
has been said that there was a Presbyterian log church 
built on the lot which was called, when I was a boy, the 
Sachcr lot. This was a nickname for 2fachariah, as it 
belonged to one Zachariah Lambertson. This lot has 
been more recently known as the Adreon lot. which at 
present belongs to William J. S. Clarke. Upon this lot 
tradition says this house was built. 

In the history of the Maryland Colony we have this 
record, that a certain Col. William Stevens, with others, 
got up a petition and sent it to the Presbytery of Laggan, 
Ireland, in 1680, for a minister of the gospel to come to the 
colony and preach the gospel and look after the scattered 



Formerly Neio Town. 197 

adherents of the Presbyterian faith. This call was 
promptly obeyed, andni 1682, they sent over the Rev.P>an- 
cis Makemie, a man of learning, sagacity and courage, by 
whom or under whose supervision, tradition says this 
church was built. If this tradition can be relied on, there 
is no doubt, but that it was the first Presbyterian Church 
ever built in America. 

But there is a history of the Presbyterian Church in 
America extant, which would seem to refute the statement 
of the Traditional Church. 

I allude to the history of the Presbyterian Church in 
America, by Irving Spence, a member of that church and 
a learned Lawyer, who speaks definitely and clearly of the 
Pitt's Creek and Rehoboth Churches being the first Presby- 
terian Churches ever built in America. He never once inti- 
mates that such a church ever existed as the Traditional 
Church at New Town. 

There is, however, some supposable ground for the 
existence of this church. Mr. Makemie, in coming to the 
Colony and up the Pocomoke River, prospecting, may 
have at first view, concluded that this was the very place 
to commence operations, and hence, the erection of the 
log church ; but subsequently, he may ha\'e discovered 
that, Rehoboth and Pitt's Creek were prominent centers, 
at v/hich he could more effectually advance the interests 
of his cause, and hence, the abandonment of the old lo^^ 
church. 



1*J8 Htstofij vf Poco)/ivh:e City^ 

Now to proceed with the history of tlic Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in New Town. The Church was built in 
iSoS, on the site where tlie present one stands. But the 
church, proper as an orj^^anized i^od}'', existed in New 
Town, lono- years Ix-fore tlie house was built. This fact, 
I think can be established, beyond a doubt, by two consid- 
erations. First, the preachers sent to the Continent by 
j\Ir. Wesley, before the orq;anization of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in 17S4, and those belonging to it 
afterwards, operated in New York City, Philadelphia, the 
states of New Jersey, Delaware, and some of them down 
through the Eastern Shore Counties of Maryland and 
Virginia, and so efficient was tlieir preaching that, at an 
early date the Peninsula was a garden spot of Methodism. 
Indeed the gospel was like a sally of light coming down 
the Peninsula, and its messengers were flaming heralds 
entering every open door, and preaching unto die people, 
Jesus and the resurrection, with all boldness. . 

In 177S, hVancis Asbury, not being permitted to preach 
the gospel in Maryland, retired to Delaware, where, at the 
house of Judge White, he found a congenial retreat, 
for about two years, in order to escape impressment, 
by the British forces, to fight against the colonies. In 
1 7 So, h'reeborn Garrettson a native ot Western Maryland, 
was imprisoned in Cambridge jail, Dorchester County, 
for preaching the gospel. I mention these incidents of 
Asbury and Garrettson, with their dates to show that 
^lethodism was already a settled fact in Delaware, and 



ForTTierly New Toion. 199' 

on the Eastern Sliore of 3*faryland and Virginia. I 
cannot wonder at the success of the g-ospel, when its. 
message was borne by such men as l^ishops Thf^mas Coke 
D. D. Francis Asbury, I\.ichard Whatcoat, and their 
associates, such as Freel:)orn (iarrettson, Benjamin A])bott, 
Lorenzo Dow, and a host of others who were co-laborers 
with them, who coiuited not their n\es dear into them- 
sevles so that they might bear the gospel message and 
be instrumental in saving sinners. 

The second, consideration is tlie establishment of the 
circuit work, embracing preaching appointments at Little- 
ton Long's house, where jNLijor Merrill now lives ; at 
William ]\Ielvin's, father of Rev. Avra Melvin, where Col. 
William J. Aydelottc now lives, a.nd at Capt. James 
Furnis' house in New Town : this house i« at present, 
owned by Mrs. Tipton. 

At these places the gospel was preached, classes lormcd 
and prayer-meetings established. So early and so 
thoroughly was Methodism established in New Town, 
that in 1800, Avra Melvin was licensed to preach the 
gospel, being a.t the time about twenty years of age, and 
when his lather, who was an officer in the church, 
died, he preached his funeral. 

Not only New Town but, the entire surrounding 
country was brought under the influence of Methodism 
in the latter part of the last century, so that we may 
safely conclude that the date of its introduction in New 
Town reaches back to about 1790. Some account ot the 



200 History of Focomoke City, 

pioneer Methodist preachers on the peninsula may be 
interesting^ to the reader. But as there are bioi^raphies of 
each one of them extant, it will only he necessary to make 
some passino; remarks with some incidents of their lives. 

Thomas Coke, LL.D., was a nati\'e of England, a man 
of letters. Was ordained the first bishop of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He died at sea while on a missionary 
tour to another land at the probable age of sixty years. 
Bishop Asbury, in preaching his funeral by request of 
Conference, makes the following remarks of him • "He 
was of the third branch of Oxonian Methodists, a gende- 
man, a scholar, and a bishop to us, and as a niinister of 
Christ, in zeal, in labors and in services, the greatest man 
of the last century." 

Richard Whatcoat, bishop of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church was a nati\'e of England. Upon information of 
his death Bishop Asbury makes the following note of him 
in his journal : ''That father in Israel and my faithful 
friend for forty years, a nian of solid parts: a self-denying- 
man of God : who ever heard him speak an idle word ? 
when was guile found in his mouth? He had been thirty- 
eight years in the ministry : sixteen years in England, 
Wales and Ireland, and twenty-two years in America; 
twelve years as Presiding Elder, four of this time he was 
stationed in the cities or traveling with me ; and six years 
in the superintendency. A man so uniformly good I have 
not known in Euroj)e or America. He died in Dover, 
Del., on the 5th day of Jul\-, 1806." 



Formeily jS\w Tvicn. 201 

Francis Asbury was also a native of England. He 
<:ame to this country by the direction of Mr. Wesley in 
1 77 1, being then about 25 years of age. He was elected 
l)ishop at the conference of 1784, held in the city of 
Baltimore, and was emphatically and truly, the pioneer 
Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In labors more 
^abundant, traveling on horseback and in carriage, averaging 
-a great deal of the time 5,000 miles a year, his route extend- 
ing from Georgia to Massachusetts, and as far West as 
Kentucky and Ohio. lie pursued this route through 
lieat and cold, through rain and storm, in winter and 
•summer, o\'er hills, barrens, swamps, and Savannahs, 
fording rivers, creeks, etc., for thirty two years in the 
Episcopacy until he was literally v.-orn out by his arduous 
labors superintending the interests ol the Church of 
Christ. In 18 16, while on his way to the General Confer- 
ence, to be held in the City of Baltimore in the following 
May, he halted at the house of (ieorge Arnold in Spott- 
sylvania, Va,, and there he died on the 21st day of March, 
1816, in the 71st year of his age. He was afterward 
carried to Baltimore and buried under the pulpit of the 
Eutaw JMethodist Episcopal Church of that city. 

In speaking of Benjamin Abbott I will say he was a 
native of New Jersey, and although he may never have 
preached in New Town, yet he aided very materially in 
bringing the gospel down through the peninsula. He 
was a man of great pulpit power, and in many instances 
sinners fell prostrate under the preaching of the word by 
him, as dead men. 



202 History of Pocomohe City^ 

There is only one incident of his Hfe which I wish ta 
mention and that is the circumstance of his conversion.. 
It was brought about by a dream. He was already under 
deep conviction for sin. He had no rest day or night and 
seemingly could find none. While in this condition he 
dreamed that he was down a deep well ; how he got there 
he could not tell. In contemplating his condition, he saw- 
no way of his escape. He seemed hopelessly lost. In 
casting his eyes upward he saw a star, about which there 
was peculiar attraction. While looking at it he discovered 
himself rising out of the well. It was such a strange 
phenomenon he could not understand it ; and in looking 
down the well, that moment he fell to the bottom. How- 
ever, in looking up again he saw the same star, and while 
looking at it, he discovered that he was rising again this 
time higher; but some how or other he took his eyes oflT 
the star, and down he fell to the bottom again. In this- 
sad condition he concluded there must be some power in 
that star to bring him out of the well, and if he could but 
see that star once more, he never would take his eyes ofT 
of it until he would be out of the well. Fortunately, again 
he saw the same star. He fixed his eyes upon it, and he 
felt that he was rising, but he would not take his eyes oflf 
of it until he found himself entirely out of the well. At 
that moment he awoke out of sleep and concluded that 
that dream was from God, and was intended to point him 
to the Day Star from on high. He made the application 
and found Jesus without further trouble. He was con- 



F(>rnieTly New Town. 203 

verted immediately and awoke the family, and there was 
a great shout that night. 

The incredulous may say, oh, pshaw; that was only a 
dream. It was a dream, that is true, but it was more than 
a dream in the commom acceptation of that term. It was 
the instrumentality which the Holy One used to save his 
soul. Lorenzo Dow preached in New Town in 1805, 
to about 2000 people, assembled from all the country 
around, and at night he preached at Rev. Jas. Tilghman's 
house. After he had conducted the preliminary services 
and had read out the text. Captain Harry Long came into 
the congregation and after he had taken his scat, Lorenzo 
said, " Captain my text is " Pray without ceasing and 
in every thing give thanks." The fact of his giving- 
Capt. Long his title, without having any previous 
knowledge of him, produced a wonderful thinking in the 
minds of the audience ; for they had previously heard 
that Lorenzo could foretell future events, and was a 
discerner of spirits. 

There are only two incidents in the life of Lorenzo that I 
will here mention. The first is his courtship and 
marriage. On a certain preaching tour, he made the 
acquaintance of the lady whom he afterwards married. 
The courtship is as follows: he said to her' "I think you 
will suit me for a wife, and as I am going to such and such 
places to preach, and shall be gone such a length of 
time, you can think the matter over, and if you think you 
would like me for a husband, when I return we will get 



204 Iliatory of Focomoke City^ 

married. But, one thing must be clearly understood, and 
that is, you must never get in my way in preaching the 
gospel, for if you do I shall, pray to the Lord to take 
you out of the way and I believe he will do it, and upon 
his return they got married. 

The second incident is the tin horn story, which is as 
follows : He was going to fill an appointment which he 
had made, probably a year before. When he was nearing 
the place where he had to preach, he over-took a colored 
boy with a tin horn ; he asked him his name, the boy said 
his name was Gabriel. Lorenzo said to him : "I am going 
to such a place to preach to-day, and if you will go there 
and climb up into a tall pine tree, and remain there silent 
until I call for Gabriel to blow the trumpet, then if you 
will blow one of your loudest blasts, I will gi\e you a 
dollar." The bargain was made, and Lorenzo commenced 
the services and took his text, which embraced the idea of 
the Resurrection and the general Judgment. 

As he proceeded, in unfolding the awful truths contained 
in the text, in graphic style, holding his large audience, 
which was assembled in the grove, spell-bound, and as all 
eyes were upon him while contemplating the sublime 
majesty of Christ's coming in the clouds of heaven with 
ten thousands of His saints to judge the world. When he 
had reach the climax, and had Gabriel standing one foot 
upon the sea and the other on the dry land, with his long 
silver trumpet, he called aloud for Gabriel to blow, at that 
moment, Gabriel in the pine tree, blew the tin horn. 



Formerlij New Town. 205 

The scene as portrayed by eye witnesses was indescrib- 
able. The people were in utter consternation, some falling 
to the ground and crying for mercy, while others were 
shouting salvation, in the immediate prospect of standing 
before the Throne, and the horses were squealing and 
prancing. Finally the congregation discovered the boy in 
the pine tree and became composed. When Lorenzo then 
said, if the blowing of a tin horn by a little black boy 
in the top of a pine tree could produce such an effect, what 
would they do when the great day comes ? 



206 History of Pocoinoke City, 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



CHURCHES (CONTINUED.) 



But to return to the subject of the church at New Town, 
I have already said, the house was built in 1808, on the 
site of the present one. Its dimensions were 30 by 32 feet. 
It had three galleries, two side and one end gallery. Its 
pulpit was of the old style of the Episcopal Church pulpits. 
At first, its benches were thick planks, laid on blocks of 
wood ; but in process of time it had benches with backs to 
lean against. The church had three doors, one side door 
leading out into the grave yard, and two end doors ; one 
for the white people to enter the church, and the other one 
for the colored people to go up into the galleries. There 
were eleven windows in the church, seven below and four 
above, those below were one-half sash and glass, the other 
half were wooden slides, and those above were all wooden 
slides. There was one old style box stove in it, which was 
given to the church by Miss Rosa B. Schoolfield, aftei;- 
wards, Mrs. Rosa B. Quinn, wife of Rev. William Quinn. 

The church was neither lathed nor plastered for thirty 
years. In its erection, some gave lum1:»er, some work and 
others money. I have seen the old subscription book for 



Formerly New Town. 207 

the erection of the church, and in looking it over my heart 
has been cheered in reading the name of Michael Murray, 
my father as a subscriber to build the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in New Town, he being a Roman Catholic. The 
reader will remember, that according to the limits given to 
New Town, that this church was in the suburbs. After it 
was ready for divine service, the appointments at the 
private houses were abandoned, and preaching was held 
^very two weeks at the church. Of this church, Bishop 
Asbury, thus speaks in his journal, under date of April 
nth, iSio : "I preached at New Town ; we were crowded. 
This is a flourishing little place, and we have a beautiful 
little chapel." 

As this was the only house of worship in the place for 
several miles around, great assemblages of people would 
attend divine service, especially on quarterly meeting 
occasions. 

The church would be crowded to its utmost capacity 
and more people outside listening and looking in through 
the windows and doors than were in the house, and the 
thickets in the neighborhood of the church would be full of 
horses hitched. At such times the Presiding Elder would 
preach. In the order of time there were such men as Dr. 
Chandler, Lawrence Lawrenson and Henry White. These 
men had great pulpit power. The subject selected would 
be one of the most lelicitous in the Gospels. As the min- 
ister would proceed and be in his happiest mood and fired 
with his subject, responses of loud amens and hallelujahs 



208 History of Poco-nokc Clty^ 

would be heard in the cono^rc(;ation, and especially in the 
amen corner. Before the services closed strong men, who 
did not make any profession of religion, would be bathed 
in tears, and others crying for mercy, while Christians 
were shouting salvation, and the whole scene would 
impress the thought of the shout of the King in the camp 
of Israel. The first class was formed about i790orshortly- 
afterwards. The names that were enrolled upon that first 
class-book were as follows : Littleton Long and wife, Wm . 
Melvin and wife, William Merrill and wife, Geo. Houston 
and wife, R^\sa Merrill, Avra Melvin, Joshua Sturgis and 
wife, Nancy Sturgis, Levin Mills, Polly Blades, Samuel 
Blades and wife, Susan Ward, James Tilghman and wife^ 
Nancy Blades, Hannah Benson, Joseph Young and wife, 
James Dickinson, Sr., and wife, Jemima Henderson, Ibba 
Chapman and Nathan Milbourn. These names are very 
dear to many who are still living in Pocomoke City. 

During the year 1800, Avra Melvin was licensed to 
preach, and in icSoS, James Tilghman was licensed to 
preach and shortly afterward, he was ordained a deacon. 
A little incident in relation to Mr. Tilghman is here 
inserted. Shortly after his ordination, he was called 
upon to marry a couple in the country. It was his first 
att(Miipt, and while he was on his way thitherward, he 
stej)[)ed a side from the road into the woods and selectintj 
two trees representing the parties before him, he went 
through the ceremony, after which he went on his way to 
the place of destination and united the parties, applying-,. 



Forinerlij New Town. 209 

in marriage. Rev. James Tilghman was the father of 
Mrs. Mary Cottingham of Snow Hill, Md., he died ^n 
1816, aged 34 years. His tombstone is still standing in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church burying ground of 
Pocomoke City and bears the above date. 

In reviewing the religious condition of New Town, as 
late as 1820, it may be of interest to notice its denomina- 
tional status. There were only two Presbyterian families 
in the place. There were no Baptists here then. There 
was one old lady by the name of Elizabeth Matthews, who 
was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church a^ 
Dividing Creek ; this old lady would be seen on Sunday 
morning wending her way tu Dividing Creek, to church. 

A little humorous story is here recorded about Aunt 
Betty, that was the name we used to call her by. Aunt 
Betty used to raise geese. At the usual time of picking 
the feathers off the geese, she picked the down also off 
both geese and goslins. There came a sharp snap of cold 
weather the night following, and next morning Aunt 
Betty's geese and goslins were all dead. She went over to 
the neighbour's to make her tale of sorrow known. Said 
she in a whining tone, "child, what do you think? I 
picked my geese yesterday, and to-day they are all dead." 
After telling how she picked them, the lady remarked: 
"Ah ! Aunt Betty that is the way, crave all and loose all." 

There was another family in the town which was Roman 
Catholic, that family was my father's. He was educated 
a Roman Catholic in Ireland, his native country. My 



210 Ilisiory of Pocomofce Ciiij^ 

mother was raised a Methodist. I am happy to say, how- 
ever, though my fatlicr was a Roman Catholic, yet he was 
a hberal one, for he helped to build the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in New Town, and had his children baptized by 
Protestant ministers. He would hold family prayers on 
Sunday mornings, and teach his children the duty of pri- 
vate prayer. The prayers that he used to teach us, would 
be the Lord's prayer; the Aposde's Creed, the salutation 
and invocation to the Holy Virgin, Mary, etc. All others 
in the town who professed Christianity, were Methodists, 
and there was a goodly number of them too. 

In the early history of Methodism in New Town, putting 
up places for the preachers would be scarce. The 
members of the church were, almost without an exception, 
poor and had no accommodations for the preacher and 
his horse. As a general thing there was not more than 
one place at which they could stop and find entertainment. 
The preacher in charge lived in Snow Hill and the 
assistant preacher lixed with the se\eral Methodist families 
on the circuit. They would come here on Saturday after- 
noon, stay until after dinner on Sabbath, and then go to 
their afternoon appointments. This condition of things 
existed as late as the writer's own personal knowledge, 
and foremost among those who bore the burden and stood 
by the Church in its low estate was Jesse Long, ^vho not 
only entertained the preachers, l)ut would bear the greater 
part, if not all of the expenses of light and fuel for the 
church. He would collect tlie (luarterage money, and gt> 



Formerly New Toion. 211 

out among the citizens of the town and ask contributions 
for the support of the preacher. He was the mainstay of 
the church in New Town until he died, which event took 
place in 1845. He was buried in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church burying-ground in New Town, at the age of 52 
years, as his tombstone bears the above date. 

In the early history of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and as late as the writer's own personal knowledge, the 
amount of quarterage paid to the preachers by the church 
in New Town was fifteen dollars and twenty-five cents per 
quarter, or sixty one dollars per year, and as this was the 
only church in the place, until 1S32, the amount of 
money paid for the support of the gospel, by New Town, 
was sixty one dollars per year. About the year 1835, 
accessions were made to the church, which was the result 
of revival meetings, among others was the Rev. John D. 
Long, who was a young man of prominence. His father 
and mother died before he reached his majority, and upon 
him devolved the responsible task of taking care of two 
sisters and a brother younger than himself. At this time 
he was merchandising at Steven's Ferry in Somerset 
County, on the lot of ground where the Phosphate factory 
now stands. After conducting this business until about 
1837, he gave it up and commenced teaching school in 
Nassawaddux, at Williams' school-house, where he contin- 
ued until the close of 1838. 

In the spring of 1839, he joined the Philadelphia Con- 
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Subsequendy 



212 History of Pocomoke City, 

he married Miss Sarah Caulk of New Castle County, 
Delaware; a young lady of fine intellect and culture, by 
whom he has four sons, all grown men. Mr. Long was 
always delicate in health, and had been in the traveling 
ministry only about nine years, when his health was so 
broken down that he was compelled to take a superannu- 
ated relation. In that capacity he has remained until the 
present time. During the" intervening years he became 
Ihe author of a book called "Pictures of Slavery." For 
sixteen years he was missionary of Bedford Street Mission 
in Philadelphia. That position he resigned in April, 1882, 
and in order to show the value of his services and the 
esteem in which he was held during that long time of 
service, I will here insert an appreciative resolution by the 
Board of Managers of that institution, which was unani- 
mously adopted. 

"The Rev. Mr. Long having tendered his resignation 
as superintendent of the mission, a position he has held 
for the past sixteen years, the Board of Managers hereby 
accept it. They do so, however, with sincere regret, as 
well for the separation it involves as for the cause (Mr. 
Long's increasing bodily weakness) that compels it. And 
they would place on record, in connecting with their 
action, the expression of their high regard and thanks 
to Mr. Long for his uniformly wise and faithful adminis- 
tration of the mission during his long term of ser\ice in it; 
for his personal worth, which secured for it so largely 
the ronfulenrc nnd support of our citizens; for his con- 



Formerly New Town. 213 

sistent life and just and kindly course towards all with 
whom his work brought him in contact, by which he won 
their affection and respect, and (as the result of all) for 
the good name in the possession of which he now leaves 
the mission. They earnestly wish for him all possible 
benefit from the rest he has well earned and which he 
so much needs, and hope he may be long spared 
to enjoy it." 

The above resolution I copy from the Philadelphia 
Evening Bnlletin of Saturday, February nth, 1882. 
This resolution of the Board of Bedford Street Mission is 
eulogy enough, but I wdll add that I have known him 
from his infancy, and most intimately for forty-five years, 
and I must say that he has the highest sense of moral 
rectitude and is one of the most conscientiously just men 
1 have known. He, now in all probability, has done his 
last work, and has returned to this his native place to rest. 



214 Hi story of Pocomoke City, 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



CHURCHES (CONTINUED.) 

In I836, Rev. William Quinn settled on his farm adjoin- 
ing New Town. He was born in Queen Anne's County, 
Md., about the year 1790. On his father's side he was ot 
pure Celtic blood, as his name will indicate. At about 
fifteen years of age he embraced Christianity and joined 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was apprenticed to 
learn the carriage-making business, but it was discovered 
that his talent and inclination led in another direction 
After his majority he joined the Philadelphia Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He traveled several 
years and then took a supernumera.iy relation and located 
in Princess Anne, Md,, where he commenced the carriage- 
making business, having for a partner Teagle Townsend. 
He afterwards moved to Eastville, Va., where he carried 
on the carriage-making business for a few years and then 
came to New Town, Md. 

In 1840, he took an active relation to his conference, 
for during the time of his location he sustained a super- 
numerary relation. He traveled five years and finally 
retired from the active ministr\'. 



Formerly New Town. 215 

During his long so-journ with us, the writer had ample 
opportunity to know and form his conclusions of him. 
His intellect was beyond the common order of minds. In 
his preaching he was clear and forcible, and was good in 
debate. In his social life, he was of a genial nature, frank 
and pleasant; if there was one trait of his character jthat 
towered above the rest, it was that of forgiveness. The 
writer can speak from experience upon this feature of 
his character. When times were perilous, and debate 
was rife, and sharp cutting words would be used on 
both sides ; but, when we would meet again, there would be 
exhibited that same genial, frank and social bearing as 
though nothing had happened. 

He was thrice married, and was father of John W. Quinn 
by his nrst wife, James, William and Lawrence by his 
second wife, and Doctor Samuel S. Quinn and Mrs. Vir- 
ginia Merrill, surviving children by his last wife. During 
his last sickness he was hopeful and trusting. He died in 
the latter part of 1867, approximating four score years. 

In 1840, the old church was lathed and plastered and 
became more comfortable, and things in general began 
to look up somewhat. In 1855, the present commodious 
house was built ; it cost, probably, three thousand dollars. 
This church has a large cemetery. The Sabbath School 
belonging to this church is the mother of Sabbath Schools 
in Pocomoke City. Some of the most influential men 
of other churches in Pocomoke City were, when little 
boys, members of this Sabbath School. It is in quite 



216 HisUry of Poccmio'ke City^ 

a flourishing condition, having on the school roll the 
names of one hundred scholars, and an average of 
se\'enty in actual attendance. The school takes eighty- 
Sabbath School papers weekly and has 13S volumes in 
library. The reader will observe that I have not said 
anything about the long list of the sainted dead, who were 
members of this church. But I will now say that as a 
general thing they died well. Oh ! how many, during the 
last forty five years, have I \isited in their death sickness, 
and ha\'e heard the last shout of victory, and witnessed 
their trumphant death. Prominent among this long list 
of the dead, with whom the writer was most intimately 
acquainted, was Sally Murray, James E. Ouinn, Eljabeth 
Long, first wife of Jesse Le^:- Long, and daughter of Gcnl. 
Ebenzer Hearn, Amanda C. Clarke, first wife of William 
J. S. Clarke, Harriet H. Clarvoe. mother of Amanda C. 
Clarke, Harriet Taylor, grandmother of the children of 
John H. Clarke by his first wife and Sally E. Hearn. 
The remembrance of these persons is held very sacred and 
dear by many who are yet living in Pocomoke City. 
These were God's noble children. They are now before 
the throne clothed in while robes and bear palms of 
victory in their hands. Oh ! how pleasant it is to call up in 
memory the christian fellowship with such persons, 
during their life time and while standing around their 
dying beds and witnessing their trumphant exit from a 
world of sorrow, to the home of the blest on the other 
side of the river. 



Formerly New Town. 217 

To close up the history of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in New Town and not give a list in detail of its 
ministers would be, to say the least of it, a partial history. 
1 shall, therefore, give as correct a list of their names as I 
.am able. I shall first name the Bishops, then the Presid- 
ing Elders, and lastly the traveling preachers. 

The Bishops were : Francis Asbury, Beverly Waugh, 
Edmund S. James, D.D., and Levi Scott, D.D. 

The Presiding Elders were : Dr. Chandler, Lawrence 
Lawrenson, Henry White, David Daily, Levi Scott, D.D., 
Jas. A. Massey, John D. Onins, Thos. J. Thompson, D.D., 
Henry Colclazer, Adam Wallace, D.D., Solomon Cooper, 
Vaughn Smith, John L' Taft, N. M. Brown and Thomas 
J. Williams. 

The traveling preachers were : Lorenzo Dow, 

Bayne, Avra Melvin, John Collins, Matthew Sorin, D.D., 

Lummas, Sparks, William Connally, John 

A. Roach, D.D., Samuel McElwee, James L. Houston, 
William Quinn, George Lacey, M. D., Isaac R. Willetts, 
.Shepherd Drain, James Hargis, John S. Taylor, Leeds K. 
Berridge, Charles Karsner, M.D., William Bishop, John 
Allen, Joshua Turner, Zachariah Webster, Jas. A. Brindle, 
Charles Schock, Thomas J. Burroughs, Charles Hill, 
Jonathan Turner, Curtis Turner, Robert Pattison, D.D., 
Daniel Titlow, William Merrill, John F. Chaplain, D.D.^ 
N. W^ Bennum, Charles McDermond, Edward G. Erwin, 
•George S. Conway, T. B. KilHam, John W. Pearson, Jas. 
Miller, Albert Jump, George W, Covington, T. E. Mar- 



218 lUatory of Pocomoke City, 

tindale, James Murray, George D. Watson, D.D., A. A. 
Fisher, Thomas Poulson, William Potter, George W. 
Wilcox, E, J. Ayres, A. P. Prettyman, William Passwater^ 
William L. P. Bowen, Thomas O. Ayres, Charles A. 
Grice, Robert Roe, William I. Baine, John D. C. Hanna 
and George W\ Townsend. 

A brief sketch of incidents of some of the above list of 
preachers, may be of interest to the reader. John Collins 
was a positive, burly Irishman. He was preaching at a 
certain place on a certain occasion, and there was a young 
man in the congregation who stood up during preaching,, 
much to the annoyance of the preacher ; Johnnie Collins^ 
for tliat was his ordinary name, seeing the yonng man 
would not sit down, said : "He wished when a tailor made 
a coat for a man, that he would publish it, and not put the 
man who wore it to the unnecessary trouble to stand up 
in the congregation to show it ; that had the desired 
effect and settled the young man for the time being. But 
when the services were over, and Mr. Collins went to get 
his horse, where he had hitched him, the young man and 
his young associates were there waiting for him. 

He called Mr. Collins' attention to the insult which he 
had passed. "O yes !" said Mr. Collins, "are you the 
young man that stood up in the congregation during 
preaching?" "Yes," said the young man, "and I am 
going to whip ycju for insulting me so." Johnnie Collins 
said, "1 have preached this morning, and have to ride 
many miles and preach twice more to-day, and it would 



Formerly New Town. 21^ 

be a pity to get a flogging in the bargain." This kind of 
talk only made the young man more bold, and he told 
Mr. Collins to get ready for he was going to whip him, 
"well !" said Mr. Collins, "if I must, I must, but before you 
begin this business, I want to inform you that, before I 
embraced Christianity, my name was fighting Jack Collins, 
and when I became a Christian, I promised the Lord that 
I would whip the Devil wherever I found him," and with 
that he brushed up his sleeves and said, "now come on 
and I will whip every devil of you." The fight was then 
over without a blow, and Mr. Collins mounted his horse 
and rode off. 

Another incident is related of Mr. Collins to the follow- 
ing effect. He was leading a colored class, which met on 
Sunday mornings before preaching, when he called Jacob 
so and so ; before this, however, he was informed that Jacob 
had stolen a pair of breeches, "Jacob" said he, "let us 
hear how you are getting along ? " Jacob said, "my breath- 
ering, I-s-e come here to give in my sperience, I've come to 
tell you that I am sometimes up and sometimes down, but 
yet my soul is heaven bound, and if you never no more sees 
me, you may look for me on dat mornin', for I spec's to 
scale heaven and get to glory." As it was usual to give 
a word of advice or encouragement after the experience 
was given; Mr. Collins said, "Jacob let me feel your pulse?'* 
Jacob held out his hand and Mr. Collins felt his pulse^ 
when all of a sudden, he exclaimed in a loud tone, "what I 
what ! Jacob does your pulse beat breeches ? breeches,'* 



220 History of Pocoinoke City^ 

and then addressing himself to all, the class said, "Jacob 
has been stealing a pair of breeches !" 

Lawrence Lawrenson was a man of great pulpit power, 
and although it has been said that he was most self-distrust- 
ing ; he was an orator of the first magnitude, and were he 
living now, he would stand abreast the first pulpit orators 
of the day. Henry White and David Daily were men of 
precious memory, though very dissimilar in their make up. 
Henry White was a positive man, he had no compromise 
to olTer in preaching the gospel ; indeed he was the most 
powerful man in the pulpit, in wielding the Sword ot the 
Spirit that I ever knew. I have witnessed the effect of his 
preaching, when with streaming eyes and tremulous limbs, 
he would deli\er his message, the most intelligent men of 
the place would be in tears like little children. David 
Daily was placid and pleasant, he was a strong preacher, 
and was also a poet ; he was one of the committee who 
revised the hymn book in years past. 

Matthew Sorin was raised and educated a Roman 
Catholic, and it has been said that he was intended for the 
priesthood ; but when he embraced Christianity he became 
a traveling preacher in the Methodist Episcoj:>al Church. 
An incident occurred in relation to him while he traveled 
Snow Hill circuit (which embraced this place), which is 
here recorded. 

He was preaching at a certain appointment and some of 
the most aristocratic of the county were to hear him. 
During the discourse he said something to which cxcep- 



Formerly New Town. 221 

tions were taken by one of the above class. After the 
services were over this gentleman stood at the door until 
Mr. Sorin came out. He called his attention to the remark^ 
and said he was going- to whip him for it. 

They were both large men, standing at least six feet in 
the clear. If there w^as any difference in size, I think Mr. 
Sorin was the lighter of the two ; but he was clear built,, 
muscular and plucky. He wore a straight-breasted frock 
coat that buttoned up to the neck, and when the other 
told him what he was going to do, he commenced button- 
ing up his coat until the last button was fastened, when he 
said to him then: "Sir, it takes a man to whip me."" 
That w^as the last of it. 

He filled some of the best stations in Philadelphia ; 
became an author, and for distinguished talent, he received 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He died but recently, 
at the probable age of four score years. 

In reviewing the history of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in New Town, I am authorized in saying that it 
has been a great power for good. It has given force and 
strength to moral sentiment, and has reached out a helping 
hand to the lost and straying and has been instrumental 
in saving an untold number that otherwise might have 
been lost. It is the mother of churches in New Town, 
and like a fostering mother, it has furnished to all its sister 
churches a member now and then. In its present outlook 
it has church property, including church, parsonage and 
cemeteries, amounting to, in original cost and present 



222 History of Pocomoke C'dy^ 

improvements, probably $7,000. It has a membership of 
ninety members and probationers and a fine Sabbath 
School, which has already been described. 

In taking the past year as a basis in calculating the 
running expenses ol this church, including preacher's 
salar}^ conference collections, etc., will amount to some- 
thing over $1,100. It holds a very elevated position as a 
great evangelizing power, and is now, as it has been in 
the past, like the beacon-light to the ocean-tossed mariner, 
warning sinners of the breakers and pointing them to the 
harbor of rest. 



I^ormerly New Town. 223 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

CHURCH p:s (continued.) 

The Methodist Protestant Church was organized in 
New Town in 1832. The first class formed was com- 
posed of Rev. Avra Meh'in and wife, Drucilla Powell, 
Theopiliis Pow^ell, Mary Powell, Sarah M. Powell, Com- 
fort Powell, Levin Davis and wife, William Tilghman, 
George S. Blades, William Payden, Ibba Chapman, Polly 
Blades, James Blades, Edward Young and wife, Leah 
Mills and Thomas Melvin. The first preachers sent to 
the circuit were Revs. A\Ta Melvin and Stephen Taylor. 
The first preaching places were the old school-house 
Sally Jones's hotel and Rev. Avra Melvin's house on the 
the farm now belonging to Col. William J. Aydelotte. 
The class meetings and sacramental services were held at 
Mr. Melvin's house. 

In 1833, the preachers held a camp-meeting on the old 
■Quinton Camp-ground, near Nassawango Creek Bridge. 
At this camp-meeting the renowned Thomas H. Stockton 
preached on Sabbath morning. There was a large 
concourse of people in attendance. After the preliminary 
service was over th2 preacher took his text, which 
embraced the Bible as the sL-bcCL ui der consideration. 



2:24 History of Pocomoke CiUj^ 

While he proceeded to unfold and present, in 'graphic- 
, style, the blessedness of God's holy book, all eyes were 
upon him, for he seemed more like a living skeleton or an. 
angel ; he raised the Bible from the stand and folding his. 
skeleton arms around it ; he pressed it to his bosom and 
exclaimed, in the way in which he alone could do it : 
"God bless the book !" Some of the jjcople were greatly 
moved, not only by his oratory, but by his ghostly appear- 
ance, exclaimed : "God bless the man!" Mr. Stockton 
was a good man, and an orator of the first magnitude. 

In 1834, the society purchased of Sally Jones, the piece 
of ground where the present church now stands, and also- 
an old store house belonging to John Burnett, which 
stood at the corner of Market and Second Streets, where 
Henry King, Esq.. now li\es, this they moved on the 
ground they had purchased, and fitted it up to worship in. 
This house stood for four years, when they sold it and 
built a new one with a belfry, in which they hung the first 
church bell in New Town. This house, however, was not 
what they wanted, it was too small and too temporarily- 
built. 

In 1853, they built the present one. and it, though a 
good building is also too small ; and they now have in 
course of erection, a larger and more commodious temple 
in a more central part of the city. 

The foundation has already been laid, and the laying of 
the corner stone was conducted with Masonic ceremonies 
on t'.U' 2nd, day (►f June, 1882. 'I he dimensions ot the 



Formerly New Town. 225 

church are 40 by 70 feet; the basement is 10 feet 
between floor and ceiling; the audience room is 20 feet 
from floor to ceiHng. The tower in front is 14 feet 
square, and its height is 104 feet. It has a recess for pul- 
pit 14 feet front with 5 feet projection. The main audi- 
ence room is 40 by 60 feet. The church is two 
stories high ; the basement is for sabbath school, class and 
prayer meeting purposes, and the second story is the 
audience room for preaching. This church when com- 
pleted will cost, including the cost of the ground, $6,000, 
and will be the finest temple in Pocomoke City. This 
church has a membership of one hundred and fifty -three, 
and a flourishing Sabbath school; composed of six officers, 
eleven teachers and one hundred and two pupils, with an 
average of sixty in attendance. The School takes one 
hundred and twenty-five Sabbbath school papers, and has 
two hundred and sixty-eight volumes in the library. The 
property belonging to this church consists of the church, 
two parsonages and a cemetery, aggregating a value of 
$5,000, and the new church and ground when completed 
will add $6,000 more. The whole church property, then, 
will amount to 1 1 ,000 dollars. 

The running expenses for this church annually 
amounts to, including preacher's salary, conference collec- 
tions, incidental expenses of church and Sabbath School, 
765 dollars. It is due the pastor of this church, for me 
to say that he receives a salary of 700 dollars, but having 
another appointment at fames Town in Somerset County, 



226 Hiatory of I *ocvmoke Ciiy^ 

that appointment pays 250 dollars of his salary. The 
preachers who have preached in this church Irom its 
organization, in regular succession, are as follows : Revs. 
Avra Meh'in, Stephen Taylor, Geo. D. Hamilton, Elias 
Williams, Thos G. Clayton,\Villiam Sexsmith, A. G. Grove, 
Reuben T. Boyd, John Keller, John R. Nichols, Henry 
Miller, Levin A. Collins, A. S- Eversole, John A. Jackson, 
William Fisher, Johnson C. Davis, Thomas A. Moore, 
Daniel F. Ewell, William Rfenick, Theophilus Burton. 
R. S. Norris,J- M. Sharpley, J. M. Ellegood, Thomas jVI. 
Bryan, C. M. Littleton, B. F, Brown, G. S. May, J. W. 
Pennewell, James Thomson, C. Eversole, James K. 
Nichols, L. W. Bates, W. M. Strayer, Henry Nice, C. F. 
Cochel, Daniel Bowers, J. W. Gray, W. McK. Poisal, J^ 
B. Jones, Jesse Shreeve, W. D. Litsinger, Samuel T. 
Graham, H. E, Miskiman, Robert S. Rowe, A. T. Melvin, 
D. L. Greenfield, J. E. Maloy, James T. Lassell, B. F. 
Benson, J. E. T. Ewell and S. A. Hoblitzell. 

In this list of names are some of the ablest ministers o^ 
the Maryland Annual conference. The Rev. Avra Mel- 
vin was born near New Town, Worcester County, Md., in 
1780. He embraced Christianity, joined the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and in 1800 he was licensed to preach. 
Some time after this he joined the Philadelphia conference. 
He traveled several years in the conference and then took 
a location and settled on the old homestead, where he 
remained in the capacity of a local preacher until 1832, 
when the Methodist Protestant Church was organized in 



Formerly New Toicn. 227 

New Town. He was the chief spirit in its organizaticn 
and for his service in that instance the Methodist Protestant 
Church in New Town owes more to him than any other 
man. It has been said of him that he has preached more 
funeral sermons, perlormed more marriage ceremonies 
and baptized more persons, than any other man in this 
section of the country, in his day. He was a good 
preacher, had a wonderful memory and consequently had 
always in store a plenty to say on short notice. He died 
on his farm near New Town in 1S53. in the seventy third 
year of his age. 

L. W. Bates traveled his hrst year on this circuit, since 
that date he has filled the best appointments in his confer- 
ence. He has been president of the Maryland Annual 
Conference, and president of the General Conference of the 
Methodist Protestant Church. He has had for distin- 
guished mental .abilities and broad culture, the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him. James K. Nichols 
is one of the best of men, he is an able preacher, has 
been president of the Maryland Annual Conference, and 
has received lor his great worth the degree of Doc- 
tor of Divinity. While there are a host of others, who 
have preached the gospel in this city and are deserving a 
place of remembrance in this history, yet I must pass them 
by with this remark, that they all have helped to build up 
a strong church. 

The Rev. S. A. Hoblitzell is the present pastor, and he 
is a good preacher and a faithful worktr. He also served 



22 S History of Pocomoke Clty^ 

this charge twenty- three years ago with Doctor James 
K. Nichols. 

Rev. Wm. Dale is an unstationed minister belonging 
to or holding his membership with this church. He was 
born in St. Martin's district, in Worcester County, Md., 
on the ist day of January, 1823. ^^ ^^'^^ educated at 
Snow Hill Academy and at Windsor Theological Insti- 
tute, located in Baltimore County, Md., Rev. Francis 
Waters, D.D., principal. He embraced Christianity when 
a youth and joined the Methodist Protestant Church. 
At the age of 20 years, he entered the traveling connection 
in that church and continued in that relation for fifteen 
years, when he located and has remained so to the 
present time. Mr. Dale is a leading man in his church, 
and in the community at large, he is chairman of the state 
board of public shools for Worcester County, and one 
ot the wealthiest men of Pocomoke City. In reviewing 
the history of the Methodist Protestant Church in New 
Town, the reader will observe, by noticing the date of 
its organization, that this year, 1882, is the semi-centennial 
year of its existence, and the statistics show it to be in 
quite a flourishing condition. 

In 1844, the Presbyterian Church, in New Town, was 
built, and on tlie ist day of January, 1845, it was dedicated 
to the worship ot Almighty God. The reader will be 
informed that the Presbyterian organization in New Town 
is a branch of the Pitt's Creek Presbyterian Church at 
Beaver Dams, which was organized by the Rev. Francis 



Formerly New Town. 229 

Makemmie as early, probably, as A. D. 1683 or 1684. 
At this primitive church, the Presbyterians of the sur- 
rounding country, worship in the days of yore. When 
in the course of time the population of New Town 
increased and the members of the Presbyterian Church 
became more numerous in the town and in its immediate 
vincinity, the necessity of the situation demanded a house 
of worship in New Town, and hence the present estab- 
lishment in 1845. The Pitt's Creek Presbyterian Church 
at Beaver Dams and New Town is a unit in name, each 
having their names upon the same church record. They 
are a unit in doctrine, in church polity, and in every 
interest that constitutes one church ; the pastor of one is 
the pastor of the other, and they all, in common, are 
responsible for his support. The Presbyterian Church in 
New Town is built of the best material, and in work- 
manlike manner. It has good proportions and is kept in 
the neatest style. 

It stands on a small elevation on a beautiful lot on 
Market street, and presents, to the passer by a picturesque 
appearance. Nearly all of those who aided in its erection 
have passed away. Chief among contributors were Handy 
Mills, David Smith, Jacob Boston, Stephen Hargis, John 
S. Stevenson, James T. Dickinson and Thomas W. 
Hargis. This church has been endowed with some 
legacies- The venerable Handy Mills bequeathed to it 
two farms, worth at that day, probably, seven or eight 
thousand dollars, and David Smith also bequeathed to it a 



230 History of Pocomoke City, 

valuable farm. The church in New Town and the ground 
upon which it stands cost four thousand dollars. It has a 
beautifully located parsonage which cost thirty-two hundred 
dollars. The church owns a beautiful cemeter^^ on the 
old Winter Quarter farm. The cemetery cost about eight 
hundred dollars. The whole property of the Pres- 
byterian Church in Pocomoke City, cost eight thou- 
sand dollars. The membership of this church including 
Pitt's Creek is one hundred and ten. The church 
in Pocomoke City has a fine Sabbath School with 
fourteen officers and teachers,, and the names of seventy 
pupils on the school roll, and fifty in average attendance, 
and three hundred volumes in the library. I will say as a 
matter of justice to this school, that it lost, by removal, 
during the year 1880, twenty-six scholars, which has 
detracted from its average standing in numbers. The 
running expences of the church and Sabbath School in 
Pocomoke City annually, including pastors salary, 
benevolent collections and incidental expenses amounts 
to 1300 dollars. 

There is an item of history connected with Pitts Creek 
Church that will be interesting to the reader. The facts 
are these. The orignal church was built by Francis 
Makemmie the pioneer of Presbyterianism in this country 
while it was yet subject to the dominion of Great Britain, 
consequently it was among the first Presbyterian churches 
built in this country. Again, Mrs. Holden, of Accomac Co., 
Va., the daughter of Francis Makemmie, left a legacy 



Fonnerly New Toion. 231 

to the church at Pitt's Creek, the interest of which is 
annually appropriated to the support of the gospel in said 
church. The pastors who have served this church from 
its organization so far as I ha\'e any means of ascertaining, 
are as follows : first, Francis Makemmie. How long Mr. 
Makemmie was pastor of this church, I have no data upon 
which to fix the term of his pastorate, and indeed, I have 
no record of any pastor of this church, from the days of 
Francis Makemmie, until the time when the Rev. Samuel 
McMaster was its pastor. I can only say that I have had 
dates of his pastorate from 1795 to 1801, and there the 
record stops until 1818. It may be of interest to the 
reader, to be informed that the Rev. Samuel McMaster 
was the grandfather of Samuel S. and Dr. John T. B. 
McMaster. In 1818, the Rev. S. Sanders was pastor of 
Pitt's Creek Church. How long Mr. Sanders was in the 
pastorate is unknown. 

The Rev. Thomas B. Balch D. D. succeeded Mr. 
Sanders in the pastorate, but dates are wanting to show 
the time when he entered and retired from it. But 
this much I can say of him, that the name of Dr. Balch 
was a household word in the community. In 1831, the 
Rev. Cornelius Mustard was pastor of the church. After 
Mr. Mustard retired, then followed in succession, the 
Rev's. J. J. Graff, James M. Olmstead, B. G. McPhail, 
Elkanah Mackey, William D. Mackey, Joesph L. Polk, 
L. P. Bowen and James Conway. Mr. Conway has but 
recently resigned the pastorate of this church, having had 



232 History of Pocovioke Citij, 

a call to serve another church in the state of Delaware. 
Consequently the church is without a pastor for the time 
being. The above list comprises the names of all the 
ministers, so far as I have any knowledge or means of 
ascertaining, who ha\e been pastors of the church from its 
organization to the present time. The Presbyterian 
Church in Pocomoke City is quite popular and 
prosperous. 



Formerly New Tov:)n. 23S 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



CHURCHES (CONCLUDED.) 



In 1845, November, 13th the St. Mary's Protestant 
Episcopal Church in New Town was consecrated, by 
Rt. Rev. WilHam Rolhnson Whittingham D. D. Bishop. 
of Maryland. This church was built through the inde- 
fatigable labors of the Rev. John Crosdale D. D., who« 
from the day of its consecration to the day of his death- 
was its rector. This is a beautiful church, particularly its. 
inside look, and there is connected with it a fine cemetery.. 
The Church also owns a good parsonage with a spacious; 
lot attached. The whole property cost between seven 
and eight thousand dollars. This church has 85 com- 
municants and a fine Sabbath School of 65 scholars, 
enrolled, with an average attendance of 35. It has ten 
teachers and 150 volumes in its library. The current 
expenses of this church, including rector's salary, benevo- 
lent contributions, and incidental expenses amount to 815. 
dollars. This church has a small invested fund, the 
interest of which is appropriated to the rectors salary. 
This is a growing, prosperous church with Rev, Francis 
W. Hilliard, a man of erudition, for its Rector. 



234 History of Pocotnvke C'liij^ 

As the Rev. John Crosdale, D.D., was the origin.'itor of 
this church, it is lait doini^ justice to his memory that a 
record of his life, in connection with his church which he 
ser\ed e:o faithfully, should here be recorded. He was 
born in the City of Baltimore on the i8th day of July, 
1818 ; died in Pocomoke City March i ith, 1878. Ordained 
in Rehoboth Church on the 4th Sunday in Advent, 1842^ 
he thenceforth, with occasional intermissions, ministered in 
Coventry Parish. When Pocomoke Parish was set offthere- 
from, he becauie and continued until death its devoted 
rector. The diocese of I'laston, established chiefly by his 
exertions, preferred him to every post of trust and respon- 
sibility. His brethren and children in the faith loved hin"* 
dearly, while intcg'rity, wisdom and benevolence led all the 
people to hold him in honor, 

"Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I 
might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which 
I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of 
the grace of God." 

The foregoing account of him I have taken from his 
monument in the cemetery of St. Mary's Church in 
Pocomoke City. 

In 1874, he received the honorary degree of D.D. from 
the Washington College, Md. There are but few men 
who for thirty-five or more years could sustain themselves 
in ministering to one congregation, with that acceptability 
which Dr. Crosdale did. He literally devoted his talent 
of mind, time and means to the interest ot his church tmd 



Formerly New Town. 235 

the cause of the poor. His history speaks in tones louder 
than words, *'The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up." 
Here is a record that is worthy of admiration. 

The Baptist Church in New Town, now Pocomoke City, 
was built in 1853, and was dedicated b y the Rev. J. W. 
M Williams, D.D., of Baltimore, Md. It is situated at 
the corner of Market and Fourth Streets in an ehVible 
part of the town. This church is built of oood material 
and by one of the best workmen in the country, Mr. Isaac 
Marshall, deceased, of Somerset County, Md. It is well 
proportioned and has the handsomest steeple upon it of 
any church in the town. 

The BaptistChurch m Pocomoke City has a membership 
of 87 on the church roll, and has a fine S.ibbath School of 
75 pupils enrolled and an average attendance of 50, with 
100 volumes in the library. This school has had but two 
superintendents from the time of its organization to the 
present time, namely, J. C. Riley and I. H. Merrill, Mr. 
Merrill being the present one. The church has a good 
parsonage in the heart of the town and a cemetery but a 
short distance in the country. The estimated value of the 
church property including parsonage and cemetery, is 
5600 dollars. The running expenses of this church and 
Sabbath School, annually, including the pastor's salary, 
benevolent collections incidental expenses, etc., amounts 
to 610 dollars. The names of the ministers who have 
served as pastors to this church from its organization to 
the present time are as follows. Revs. S. C. Boston, A. G. 



236 History of Pocomofce City, 

Harley, O. F. Flippo, James G. Council, E. M. Burns, L. 
D. Paulling, H. J. Handy and James A. Wolf, Mr. Wolf 
being the present pastor. These men have served the 
church with fidelity, and have been the chief instrumen- 
tality in building it up and giving it a name, and standing 
for usefulness among its sister churches that reflect honor 
upon them. 

The colored Methodist Episcopal Church in New Town, 
now Pocomoke City, was organized in 1864. It has a 
membership of 186 including probationers. It has a good 
Sabbath School of 115 pupils and teachers, with an 
average attendance of 85, and 150 volumes in the library. 
This church has a missionary chapel in connection with 
the church, a parsonage and cemetery. The whole prop- 
erty is estimated, in value, to be worth 1,710 dollars. 
The running annual expenses of the church, including the 
pastor's salary, benevolent collections, incidental expenses 
etc., amounts to 355 dollars and 50 cents. The ministers 
who have occupied the pastorate of this church from its 
organization to the present time are as follows : Revs. 
Handy Long, David Eaves, Isaac Broughton, James 
Webb, Abraham Brown, William Phillips, Charles Wing, 
G. M. Landon and George H. Washington, Mr. Wash- 
ington being the present pastor. 

The African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Town, 
now Pocomoke City, was organized in 1872. It has a 
membership of 79 including probationers, a Sabbath 
School with 51 pupils enrolled, and 25 in average atten- 



Formerly New Town. 237 

dance, with 66 volumes in the library. The church 
building is a good one, and quite creditable and it, 
together with the lot of ground on which it stands, and 
an adjoining house are estimated in value at 1,200 dollars. 
The pastors who haye served this church since its organi- 
zation are as follows. Revs. George W. Jones. Charles C. 
Reeder,John Budd, Charles Young and Thomas M. Cole, 
Mr. Cole is the present pastor. In reviewing the history 
of the two Colored Methodist Churches in Pocomoke 
City, I will say they have made decided advancement 
over their former condition in ante bellum days. When 
I think of their intellectual and moral degradation in the 
days of slavery, when on the large plantations in the South 
they would sing, in their religious meetings, their degen- 
erated ditties, such as the following : 

" Oh ! where shall we go when de great day coraes, 

En' de blowing o' de trumpets an' de bangin' o' de drums, 

And if a poor sinner is kotched out late, 

Der'll be no latch ter de go'den gate. 

De song o' salvation is a mighty sweet song, 

De Paradise winds dey blow fur and blow long, 

An' Aberham's bosom, it is saft an' its wide. 

An' right dar whar's de sinner aughter hide. 

Ch ! don't be stoppin' an' a lookin'. 

If you fool wid old Satin you'll get took in ; 

En' you'll stand on de edge an' git shoved in. 

If you don't quit stoppin' an' a lookin'." 

I say, when I think of the degradation of their intellec- 
tual and moral powers in their former condition and draw 



238 History of Pocomoke City^ 

the comparison between that and the present, they have 
made decided advancement intellectually, morally and 
religiously. They have their regular pastors, their regu- 
lar appointments, and they worship in their public 
congregations like the white people, and they sing the 
standard hymns of the Methodist Church. 

In summing up the religious outlook of Pocomoke City, 
I will say there are seven churches in the town ; the total 
number of members and probationers is 705. There are 
seven Sabbath Schools, and the number of scholars and 
teachers aggregating 638 names on the school rolls, with 
1,171 volumes in the libraries, and a good supply of Sab- 
bath School papers. The total amount of church property 
in Pocomoke City is $37,610. The running annual expenses 
of all the churches and Sabbath Schools is something 
over $4,300. 

We have also four orders of secret societies in Poco- 
moke City, namely, Ancient and Accepted Order of Free 
Masons, Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of 
Hephtasophs and Ancient Order of United Workmen. 
Some of these societies are benevolent while others are 
both benevolent and insurance. They are composed of 
many of the chief citizens ol the town. 

It is but simple justice to say that there are gentlemen 
living in the neighborhood of Pocomoke City, who have 
given material aid to its business life, and whose interest 
in it has been so great that they have helped on its suc- 
cessful course by their influence and the use of their names. 



Formerly New Town. 23^ 

and chief among these are Thomas W, Hargis, Samuel S. 
McMaster and Samuel K. Dennis. 



THE END. 



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